Golden State Today

California is funding 51 projects across the state to boost apprenticeships for opportunity youth ages 16-24, including young parents, former foster youth, people with disabilities, and young people who face educational achievement gaps or attend schools in communities struggling with high poverty.

Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the Department of Industrial Relations awarded $31 million in California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship (COYA) grants to these projects. The aim is to increase pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships in sectors such as healthcare, education, advanced manufacturing, information technology, public sector, transportation and more.

“California is committed to helping disadvantaged youth prepare for high-quality careers. Through our nation-leading career education efforts, we’re boosting apprenticeships throughout the state and across industries to help young people launch into the right career for them,” stated Governor Gavin Newsom.

These apprenticeships are intended to break career barriers for opportunity youth across California. The target group includes individuals aged 16-24 such as young parents, former foster youth, people with disabilities, those facing educational achievement gaps or attending schools in impoverished communities. COYA will also ensure employers are supported and encouraged to hire young workers based on their talent and skills.

The State's initiative aims to ensure all Californians have the freedom to succeed through investments that help young people acquire skills necessary for high-quality careers. This program aligns with the Governor’s Master Plan for Career Education which includes proposals to streamline TK-12 education systems with university and workforce systems in California to enhance access to education and employment opportunities.