High Road to Construction Careers 2026 (HRCC 2026) Grant Program

The High Road to Construction Careers grant program is administered by the California Workforce Development Board in partnership with the California Department of Transportation. The program is part of a broader state initiative to align workforce development with California’s infrastructure investments and economic priorities. Through prior investments exceeding sixty million dollars, the program has established a statewide network of partnerships connecting labor, education, and community organizations to create pathways into construction careers. The 2026 solicitation continues this effort by providing bridge funding to sustain and expand regional workforce systems. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support regional construction workforce development aligned with public infrastructure demand. The program seeks to train workers to meet hiring needs, expand access to apprenticeship pathways for historically underrepresented populations, and promote economic mobility in underserved communities. Priority populations include women, veterans, minorities, and justice-involved individuals, with additional emphasis on individuals facing barriers such as homelessness, disability, or limited English proficiency. Projects are expected to integrate outreach, training, and supportive services to ensure participant success. Funding is structured across two rounds, with Round One allocating eight million dollars to existing regional grantees using a predetermined formula based on prior spending. Applicants must request the exact allocation assigned to their region, as shown in the funding table, and cannot propose alternative amounts. Round One funding serves as a bridge between prior funding and a future competitive Round Two. Approximately nineteen million dollars is expected to be distributed in Round Two through a separate solicitation. Grant funds are reimbursed rather than advanced, and expenditures must align with approved budgets, allowable cost principles, and administrative caps. Eligible applicants are limited to existing High Road to Construction Careers regions, with a designated lead applicant serving as fiscal agent. Projects must demonstrate strong regional partnerships, including a Building Trades Council, a Multi-Craft Core Curriculum provider, and a community-based organization. Additional partners may include workforce boards, educational institutions, and public agencies. The program requires use of the Multi-Craft Core Curriculum as the standard pre-apprenticeship training model and emphasizes placement into registered apprenticeships or related employment opportunities. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Cal-E-Grants system following an access request process. Required components include a project narrative detailing scope of work, a work plan with milestones, a participant plan outlining enrollment and outcomes, and detailed budget documentation including expenditure projections and justifications. Applicants must also upload supporting documents such as participant plans and required state forms. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may be disqualified. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with program priorities, including workforce demand alignment, equity outcomes, partnership strength, and program design. Past performance on prior grants, including data reporting and administrative compliance, may also be considered. Award decisions are communicated via email, and successful applicants must confirm acceptance promptly and complete any required modifications before grant agreements are finalized. The application timeline begins with the release of the solicitation on April 15, 2026, with applications due May 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. Awards are expected to be announced in late May, with program start anticipated in June. The grant term ranges from eight to eighteen months, with Round One primarily serving as an eight-month bridge period. The program does not explicitly state recurrence but indicates future funding through a planned second round in the following fiscal year.

Align project design with regional infrastructure demand and clearly demonstrate partnerships and strategies for serving priority populations including women, veterans, and justice-involved individuals