CalWORKs: California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids 2026-27

Funding Description

CalWORKs funding is only for public school adult education programs and regional occupational centers and programs. It provides education and training to: (1) prepare CalWORKs recipients for entry level employment; (2) assist employed recipients receiving subsidies or supportive services to advance toward higher employment and self-sufficiency; and (3) divert CalWORKs recipients into short-term education and training programs leading to employment. Note: CalWORKs monies are not part of the categorical flexibility spending.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants	Local educational agencies
Required Eligibility Criteria	Funding is restricted to public school adult education programs and regional occupational centers and programs that serve welfare recipients. Funding is allocated to counties based on the number of CalWORKs recipients in each county.
Other Eligibility Considerations	Not applicable
Eligible Grade Level(s)	9, 10, 11, 12, Adult
Eligible Age Level(s)	14, 15, 16, 17, 18, Adult

Funding

Legal Authority	Budget Item: 6100-105-0001 Provision 2, and 6100-156-0001.
Source / Type	State / Apportionment
State Fiscal Year	2026-27
SACS Resource / Revenue Codes	6371 / 8590
Total Available	$9,743,917
Recipient Amount	Varies
Match Requirement	No
Allocation Formula	Funding is based on the number of CalWORKs recipients served and is distributed through the normal apportionment process.

Important Dates

Date Application Available	September 14, 2026
Due Date	November 16, 2026
Expected Notification Date	Unavailable

Additional Information

Application	Unavailable
Background	Regional Occupational Centers and Programs [http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/ct/rp/index.asp]
Fiscal	Unavailable
Other	Unavailable

Contacts

Program	Charlene Cowan, 916-319-0892, ccowan@cde.ca.gov
Fiscal	Justin Keithline, 916-445-1710, CalWORKs@cde.ca.gov
Division	Career & College Transition Division, 916-319-0893