Workforce Accelerator Fund 14

Purpose: The California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) is pleased to announce up to $3 million in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Governor’s discretionary funds for the Workforce Accelerator Fund 14 (Accelerator 14) grant program. Description: The CWDB seeks to fund two or more partnerships that will develop a scalable, replicable career pathway program focused on the Quantum or Fusion sectors. Funded projects will integrate multiple on- and off-ramps for participants from the K-12 system through the community college and four-year university systems. The intent of Accelerator 14 is to support the development of programs that offer: -Establish industry-recognized credentials that will prepare jobseekers for quality jobs in the Quantum or Fusion sectors; particularly short-term credentials that can be attained in approximately eight to thirteen weeks.-Train and place participants into jobs in Quantum, Fusion, and/or adjacent occupations within the Quantum or Fusion supply chains that do not require a four-year degree.-Provide career introductory technical education at the High School and Community College levels.-Offer guidance and support to students seeking to enter a four-year degree program focused on a related field.-Conduct supportive services for jobseekers facing barriers to employment. The CWDB will consider applications for both participant serving (Innovation Impact), and non-participant serving projects (Planning and Development). Eligibility Requirements Eligible Applicants: Business Nonprofit Public Agency The following organizations are eligible to apply: -K-12 school districts -Community colleges-Public universities -Community-based organizations -Nonprofit organizations -Local workforce development boards -Adult education providers Eligible Geographies: Statewide Matching Funding Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate the ability to match and/or leverage their Accelerator 14 award request at a 1:1 ratio with funds or services from other sources. The match/leveraged funds required is based on the total grant funding requested applicants requesting $500,000 in Accelerator 14 grant funding must match and/or leverage at least $500,000 using non-CWDB fund sources. Important Dates Application deadline The date (and time, where applicable) by which all applications must be submitted to the grantmaker. Time listed as “00:00” equates to midnight. 8/27/26 05:00 Expected award announcement The date on which the grantor expects to announce the recipient(s) of the grant. Fall 2026 Period of performance The length of time during which the grant money must be utilized. 01/01/27-03/31/29 Funding Details Total estimated available funding The total projected dollar amount of the grant. $3,000,000 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. Dependent 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. 100% 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.

Purpose: The California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) is pleased to announce up to $3 million in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Governor’s discretionary funds for the Workforce Accelerator Fund 14 (Accelerator 14) grant program. Description: The CWDB seeks to fund two or more partnerships that will develop a scalable, replicable career pathway program focused on the Quantum or Fusion sectors. Funded projects will integrate multiple on- and off-ramps for participants from the K-12 system through the community college and four-year university systems. The intent of Accelerator 14 is to support the development of programs that offer: -Establish industry-recognized credentials that will prepare jobseekers for quality jobs in the Quantum or Fusion sectors; particularly short-term credentials that can be attained in approximately eight to thirteen weeks.-Train and place participants into jobs in Quantum, Fusion, and/or adjacent occupations within the Quantum or Fusion supply chains that do not require a four-year degree.-Provide career introductory technical education at the High School and Community College levels.-Offer guidance and support to students seeking to enter a four-year degree program focused on a related field.-Conduct supportive services for jobseekers facing barriers to employment. The CWDB will consider applications for both participant serving (Innovation Impact), and non-participant serving projects (Planning and Development).