High Road to Construction Careers 2026
🏛 Workforce Development Board (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Nov 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for workforce development organizations in California supporting construction careers. Current HRCC 2026 grantees may apply in Round Two. The program funds training for individuals entering construction trades and joint-apprenticeship programs. Funding prioritizes regions with demonstrated hiring demand for infrastructure and construction projects. Previous grantee performance, data collection compliance, and reporting timeliness will be evaluated. Past recipients with strong track records are more competitive. Final eligibility details will be provided in the Round Two solicitation.
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Program 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.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Completed application form (exact format TBD in solicitation)
- Regional labor market analysis demonstrating hiring demand
- Program and budget narrative
- Prior performance data and compliance documentation
- Partnership letters from joint-apprenticeship programs
Program contact
- 📧 Solicitations@cwdb.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-657-1440
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for HRCC 2026 Round Two?
Current HRCC 2026 grantees are eligible. Details on other potential applicants will be released in the Round Two solicitation.
When is the Round Two deadline?
The solicitation will be released during the 2026-27 State Fiscal Year (July 2026 or later). Exact deadline will be announced in the RFA.
What activities does this grant fund?
Training workers for construction and public infrastructure jobs. Supporting entry into joint-apprenticeship programs, especially for women, veterans, and justice-involved individuals.
How much funding is available?
Approximately $19 million will be awarded in Round Two through a competitive process. Specific award amounts per grant will be detailed in the solicitation.
What will be evaluated beyond the application?
Past grantee performance, compliance with reporting requirements, and timeliness of participant data collection will be considered in funding decisions.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start tracking your data collection and reporting metrics now if you're a past HRCC grantee. Strong compliance records improve competitiveness.
- Document regional hiring demand for construction and infrastructure projects. The RFA will require evidence of labor market need.
- Build partnerships with joint-apprenticeship programs and populations facing employment barriers. The program prioritizes equity in access.
- Prepare outcome data showing participant job placements, wage increases, and employment retention from any prior HRCC work.
- Set a calendar reminder for July 2026 to watch for the Round Two solicitation. Funding details and deadlines will be announced through the CWDB.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without demonstrated regional hiring demand for construction jobs. Weak compliance records or incomplete prior reporting disqualify applications. Focusing narrowly on training without addressing barriers faced by women, veterans, and justice-involved workers.
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