CalWORKs 2020-21 RFA Instructions

General Information

The California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) funding for adult schools and regional occupational centers and programs (ROCPs) must be used to provide education and training to achieve the following objectives:

1. Prepare CalWORKs eligible clients for entry-level employment.
2. Assist employed clients receiving subsidies or supportive services to advance toward higher employment and self-sufficiency.
3. Direct CalWORKs eligible clients into short-term education and training programs leading to employment.

The California Department of Education (CDE) determines and allocates CalWORKs funds to each county based on the percentage of the county’s CalWORKs clients to the total state client population.

Annually, each county prepares a CalWORKs County Joint Application consistent with each county’s most current Instructional and Job Training Plan. The application must identify the amount of CalWORKs funds to be distributed to each participating adult school and ROCP within the county and should not exceed the total amount of funds designated by the CDE for the county. The County Superintendent and County Director of Social Services must sign the application.

The CDE will review all applications for approval and distribution of CalWORKs funds in the following priority order:

1. Adult schools and ROCPs identified in the application will be paid CalWORKs funds as authorized through the application process.
2. Unclaimed CalWORKs funds will be redistributed throughout the state proportionately by number of clients.

Before completing the 2020–21 CalWORKs County Joint Application:

1. Designate a CalWORKs county coordinator
   Each county should designate a CalWORKs county coordinator for this program. The coordinator's responsibilities are: (1) coordinate communications about the application requirements and activities within the county; and (2) complete and submit the application to the CDE.
2. Schedule a countywide planning meeting
   The CalWORKs county coordinator and the director of social services, along with representatives from the county office of education, each adult school, and each ROCP should review and discuss prior to completing the application to: (1) the educational and job training needs of CalWORKs clients within the county; (2) the county’s Instructional and Job Training Plan; (3) the funding of current programs offered by adult schools and ROCPs; and (4) grant priority for citizenship and naturalization preparation services to the extent possible for immigrants facing the loss of federal benefits under the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-193).
3. Determine adult school and ROCP allocations
   Review the enclosed CalWORKs County Allocation Chart for the amount allocated to your county. There is a designated amount for ROCPs and a designated amount for Adult Education Programs. The total funds needed within a county cannot exceed the county's designated allocation amount.
4. Enrollment of CalWORKs students
   Indicate the total enrollment (unduplicated) of CalWORKs students served in the 2019–20 school year for each adult school and ROCP who will be receiving CalWORKs funds for the 2020–21 school year.
   Note:Counties may allocate funds only to adult schools and ROCPs providing educational services to CalWORKs clients. No other agencies may apply.

Email completed application to: calworks@cde.ca.gov. The application must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18, 2020.

Applications must be submitted by email and will not be accepted via fax, mail, or in-person drop off.

If you have any questions regarding this subject, please contact Charlene Cowan, Education Programs Consultant, High School Innovations and Initiatives Office, by phone at 916-323-4747 or by email at ccowan@cde.ca.gov.