High Road to Construction Careers 2026

Purpose: The California Workforce Development Board (CWDB), in partnership with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), is offering $19 million in grants for the High Road to Construction Careers 2026 (HRCC 2026) Grant Program. This second round of funding is a competitive opportunity during the 2026-27 state fiscal year. It will award the remaining HRCC 2026 funds to support HRCC program goals and regional labor market needs.   Description: Funding for the HRCC 2026 program is being awarded in two rounds. All current HRCC grantees are eligible to apply. In Round Two, approximately $19 million will be awarded to regions with demonstrated hiring demand through a competitive application process. The CWDB will release a closed, competitive funding opportunity during the 2026-27 State Fiscal Year, through which the remaining HRCC 2026 funds will be awarded to further support HRCC program goals and align investments with regional labor market demand. Additionally, past grantee performance, including compliance with and timeliness of required participant data collection and reporting under previous HRCC grants, will be considered. Additional information about eligibility, funding amounts, application requirements, and evaluation criteria will be released in the Round Two solicitation. Details outlined in the RFA regarding the Round Two solicitation are subject to change. HRCC 2026 grant program’s objectives are to: Meet demand: Train workers to meet the hiring needs of public infrastructure and construction projects. Promote access: Support entry into joint-apprenticeship programs for individuals who have traditionally faced barriers to employment in the construction trades, including justice-involved individuals. Boost the economy: Increase employment, boost incomes, and drive economic activity in communities that need it most. Eligibility Requirements Eligible Applicants: Business Nonprofit Public Agency Eligible Geographies: Statewide Important Dates Expected award announcement The date on which the grantor expects to announce the recipient(s) of the grant. March 2027 Period of performance The length of time during which the grant money must be utilized. 24 Months Anticipated Open Date Fall 2026 Funding Details - Prod Migration Test Total estimated available funding The total projected dollar amount of the grant. $19,000,000.00 Expected number of awards A single grant opportunity may represent one or many awards. Some grantors may know in advance the exact number of awards to be given. Others may indicate a range. Some may wish to and wait until the application period closes before determining how many awards to offer; in this case, a value of “Dependent” will display. 13 Estimated amount per award Grant opportunities representing multiple awards may offer awards in the same amount or in varied amounts. Some may wish to wait until the application period closes before determining per-award amounts; in this case, a value of “Dependent” will display. Dependent Letter of Intent Required? Certain grants require that the recipient(s) provide a letter of intent. No Requires Matched Funding? Certain grants require that the recipient(s) be able to fully or partially match the grant award amount with another funding source. No Funding Source: The funding source allocated to fund the grant. It may be either State or Federal (or a combination of both), and be tied to a specific piece of legislation, a proposition, or a bond number. State Funding Source Notes: Senate Bill (SB) 150 Funding Method: The manner in which the grant funding will be delivered to the awardee. Funding methods include reimbursements (where the recipient spends out-of-pocket and is reimbursed by the grantor) and advances (where the recipient spends received grant funds directly).

Purpose: The California Workforce Development Board (CWDB), in partnership with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), is offering $19 million in grants for the High Road to Construction Careers 2026 (HRCC 2026) Grant Program. This second round of funding is a competitive opportunity during the 2026-27 state fiscal year. It will award the remaining HRCC 2026 funds to support HRCC program goals and regional labor market needs.   Description: Funding for the HRCC 2026 program is being awarded in two rounds. All current HRCC grantees are eligible to apply. In Round Two, approximately $19 million will be awarded to regions with demonstrated hiring demand through a competitive application process. The CWDB will release a closed, competitive funding opportunity during the 2026-27 State Fiscal Year, through which the remaining HRCC 2026 funds will be awarded to further support HRCC program goals and align investments with regional labor market demand. Additionally, past grantee performance, including compliance with and timeliness of required participant data collection and reporting under previous HRCC grants, will be considered. Additional information about eligibility, funding amounts, application requirements, and evaluation criteria will be released in the Round Two solicitation. Details outlined in the RFA regarding the Round Two solicitation are subject to change.