High Road to Construction Careers 2026

Who can apply

BusinessNonprofitPublic Agency

Round Two funding is available to existing HRCC regions only.

Where: Statewide

Purpose

The California Workforce Development Board (CWDB), in partnership with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), is offering $19 million in grants for the High Road to Construction Careers 2026 (HRCC 2026) Grant Program. This second round of funding is a competitive opportunity during the 2026-27 state fiscal year. It will award the remaining HRCC 2026 funds to support HRCC program goals and regional labor market needs.

Description

Funding for the HRCC 2026 program is being awarded in two rounds. All current HRCC grantees are eligible to apply. In Round Two, approximately $19 million will be awarded to regions with demonstrated hiring demand through a competitive application process. The CWDB will release a closed, competitive funding opportunity during the 2026-27 State Fiscal Year, through which the remaining HRCC 2026 funds will be awarded to further support HRCC program goals and align investments with regional labor market demand. Additionally, past grantee performance, including compliance with and timeliness of required participant data collection and reporting under previous HRCC grants, will be considered. Additional information about eligibility, funding amounts, application requirements, and evaluation criteria will be released in the Round Two solicitation. Details outlined in the RFA regarding the Round Two solicitation are subject to change. HRCC 2026 grant program’s objectives are to: Meet demand: Train workers to meet the hiring needs of public infrastructure and construction projects. Promote access: Support entry into joint-apprenticeship programs for individuals who have traditionally faced barriers to employment in the construction trades, including women, veterans, and justice-involved individuals. Boost the economy: Increase employment, boost incomes, and drive economic activity in communities that need it most.

Important dates

Opened

Fall 2026

Application deadline

Not yet announced

Expected award announcement

March 2027

Period of performance

24 Months

Funding details

Total estimated available

$19,000,000.00

Estimated amount per award

Dependant on number of submissions received, application process, etc.

Expected number of awards

Exactly 13

Letter of intent required

No

Matching funds

Not Required

Funding source

State

Funding source notes

Senate Bill (SB) 150

Funding method

Reimbursement(s)

Funding method notes

In Round Two, approximately $19 million will be awarded to regions with demonstrated hiring demand through a competitive application process. The CWDB will issue a separate solicitation for Round Two in the 2026-27 State Fiscal Year.

How to apply

Forecast listing. The grantor has announced this program but is not accepting applications yet; it is expected to open Fall 2026. Use the grantor's update list below to be notified.

Read the full guidelines on the grantor's site, then apply there. Nothing is submitted through this site.

Submission: url: https://caetp.my.site.com/calegrants/s/

• Grant guidelines & application ↗
• Workforce Development Board ↗
• Original listing on grants.ca.gov ↗

Questions about this grant: name: Solicitations; email: [email protected]; tel: 1-916-657-1440;