Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that the California Employment Development Department is providing $11 million in grants to six organizations in California. These funds aim to assist underserved groups, including veterans, people with disabilities, and at-risk young adults, by offering job training and career development services.
The grant will help Californians who face significant employment barriers such as poverty or long-term unemployment. Governor Newsom stated, “Every Californian deserves the opportunity to pursue a meaningful career. This investment advances California’s Master Plan for Career Education and California Jobs First by expanding access to career pathways for Californians who’ve historically faced systemic barriers.”
Stewart Knox, Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development, emphasized the importance of these grants: “The Employment Social Enterprise Program brings jobs and dignity to Californians who’ve been left out of the workforce by connecting them to real work, supportive services, and long-term opportunity.”
Nancy Farias, EDD Director, highlighted the impact on society: “By providing opportunities for those who have been overlooked in society, we’re helping more Californians build lasting careers that strengthen our workforce.”
These awards are part of the Employment Social Enterprise program under the California Jobs First initiative. The program focuses on transitioning individuals into stable jobs where they can earn wages and gain experience while accessing supportive services like housing assistance and mental health services.
Jeff Negrete from Catholic Charities expressed gratitude for the grant: “This grant allows us to do something more. It gives us the opportunity to offer a true hand up.” Will Oliver from Fresno County Economic Development Corporation called it a critical investment that expands access to high-quality careers.
Other recipients include Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment in Los Angeles County and Stanislaus Equity Partners in Stanislaus County. An additional $1 million has been awarded to REDF for technical assistance among awardees.
These initiatives are funded entirely by federal funds under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Governor’s Discretionary funds from the U.S. Department of Labor.
