Employment Pathways Technical Assistance (EPTA) grant for Program Year 2025-26 (PY 25-26)

The Employment Development Department (EDD) of California, in collaboration with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), is offering up to $1.5 million in grant funding through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Governor’s Discretionary 15 percent funds. The purpose of this Employment Pathways Technical Assistance (EPTA) Grant is to provide technical assistance and developmental evaluation (TADE) to Program Year (PY) 25-26 Employment and Training Pathways Program (ETPP) grantees. This initiative is designed to support workforce development systems by enhancing the capacity of ETPP awardees to serve Opportunity Young Adults (OYAs), veterans, justice-involved individuals, and English Language Learners (ELLs). The TADE provider will play a central role in helping these programs refine their strategies, collect and use real-time data, and implement evaluation frameworks that prioritize inclusivity, transparency, and adaptability. The scope of the grant includes real-time data collection, co-development of evaluation plans with each grantee, technical assistance delivery including coaching and peer-learning, and the facilitation of a cross-program Community of Practice (COP). This COP will unify technical assistance efforts across various state-funded workforce initiatives, including the Displaced Oil and Gas Workers Fund, Employment Social Enterprise grants, and others. The overarching goal is to enable grantees to adapt and improve their services continuously through data-informed decision-making while contributing to system-wide learning that aligns with the California Master Plan for Career Education (CMPCE). Applicants eligible for this funding must demonstrate the capacity to deliver both technical assistance and developmental evaluation to ETPP grantees. They must also coordinate statewide TA efforts by facilitating a COP. Eligible applicant types include Community Colleges, Institutions of Higher Education, Adult Education Providers, Community-Based Organizations, Nonprofits, Labor Organizations, Education and Training Providers, and Workforce Intermediaries. Individuals are not eligible to apply. The TADE provider must also be adept in using tools such as CalJOBSSM and capable of conducting qualitative research methods like focus groups and interviews to capture participant and community voices. The funding available for this opportunity totals $1.5 million, with a performance period of 18 to 24 months, commencing in June 2026 and ending no later than March 31, 2028. Administrative costs are capped at 10% of the grant total. While leveraged resources are encouraged, they are not required. Grant funds may be used to hire staff, deliver training, conduct evaluations, facilitate meetings, and support related travel expenses. However, funds cannot be used for real property purchases or building construction. To apply, organizations must submit a full proposal package by 3:00 p.m. PST on February 3, 2026. An informational webinar will be held on January 13, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. PST, with registration due by 9:00 a.m. the same day. Applicants are encouraged, though not required, to submit a Notice of Intent to Apply by noon on January 16, 2026. The submission package must include multiple exhibits such as the Cover/Signature Page, Project Narrative, Budget Summary, and Partnership Agreement Letters, among others. Proposals must be emailed as a compressed file to WSBSFP3@edd.ca.gov following specific naming conventions outlined in the Solicitation for Proposals (SFP). The review and evaluation of proposals will occur between February 16 and 20, 2026, with award notifications anticipated by April 2026. Contracts will be finalized shortly thereafter. Only one project will be selected for funding. Proposals will be assessed based on their technical assistance and evaluation strategy, capacity to facilitate a COP, organizational experience, and budget alignment. The successful applicant will support the state’s larger workforce development goals by fostering equity, regional coordination, and continuous improvement across workforce systems.

Follow the required naming conventions strictly; include signed Cover/Signature page and PDF format for signature and agreement letters; late or incomplete applications will be disqualified.