WorkAbility I

Funding Description

The WorkAbility I program provides comprehensive pre-employment training, employment placement, and follow-up for high school students in special education who are making the transition from school to work, independent living, and postsecondary education or training.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants	Local educational agencies, other organizations or agencies
Required Eligibility Criteria	Agencies must have approved WorkAbility I renewal applications on file with the California Department of Education. Funding is for approved local educational agencies to provide employment training and placement services for special education students in high schools with an approved individualized education plan.
Other Eligibility Considerations	Not applicable
Eligible Grade Level(s)	9, 10, 11, 12
Eligible Age Level(s)	Not applicable

Funding

Legal Authority	Budget Item 6100-161-0001, Schedule (1), Provision 3
Source / Type	State / Grant
State Fiscal Year	2026-27
SACS Resource / Revenue Codes	6520 / 8590
Total Available	$38,729,310
Recipient Amount	Varies
Match Requirement	No
Allocation Formula	Each grantee will receive a base amount plus a per-pupil amount, based on the number of students served.

Important Dates

Date Application Available	Unavailable
Due Date	Unavailable
Expected Notification Date	October 16, 2026

Additional Information

Application	Unavailable
Background	Local Educational Agency Grants [http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/as/leagrnts.asp#pca23011wai]
Fiscal	Local Educational Agency Grants [http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/as/leagrnts.asp#pca23011wai]
Other	Unavailable

Contacts

Program	WorkAbility I Team, 916-327-0878, Workability1@cde.ca.gov
Fiscal	WorkAbility I Team, 916-327-0878, Workability1@cde.ca.gov
Division	Special Education Division, 916-327-0878