High Road Construction Careers 2026
The California Workforce Development Board (CWDB), in partnership with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), is pleased to announce the availability of $8 million in grant funding for Round One of the High Road to Construction Careers 2026 (HRCC 2026) Grant Program, a California Jobs First Initiative.
A second round of funding will be released through a competitive solicitation in the 2026-27 State Fiscal Year.
GRANT SNAPSHOT
Available Funding: $8 Million
Funding Source: Senate Bill (SB) 150
Start Date: Round One – June (estimate)
End Date: December 2028
All dates subject to change.
HRCC MAP
ELIGIBILITY
Round One funding is available to existing HRCC regions only. Each region will receive a predetermined funding allocation in Round One.
APPLICATION ACCESS
To apply, eligible applicants must first submit the Application Access form to request entry to the Round One application. Applicants who complete this form will receive access on April 15th. Once access is granted, applicants can complete and submit their application through the Cal-E-Grants website.
PROGRAM
The HRCC 2026 grant program’s objectives are to:
- Meet demand: Train workers to meet the hiring needs of public infrastructure and constructions 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.
APPLICATION KICK OFF WEBINAR
A recorded kick off webinar providing an overview of the HRCC 2026 Round One grant program is on CWDB’s YouTube channel for your viewing.
VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS
The CWDB will host a Virtual Office Hours Session April 30, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. PDT which prospective applicants can ask clarifying questions about the HRCC 2026 grant program and application process. Attendees are strongly encouraged to review the RFA, and recorded application kick off webinar prior to attending.
GRANT TIMELINE
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| RFA Release | April 15, 2026 |
| Application Kick Off Webinar | April 21, 2026 @ 10:30 a.m. PDT |
| Virtual Office Hours | April 30, 2026 @ 1:30 p.m. PDT |
| Applications Due (Deadline) | May 6, 2026 @ 5:00 p.m. PDT |
| Award Announcement | Mid-May |
| Exhibit Modifications | 1-2 weeks |
| Agreement Processing | 1-2 weeks |
| Program Start Date | Upon grant agreement execution (estimated June 10th) |
| Grant Term | 8-18 months* |
All dates provided are estimates and may be subject to change. We encourage prospective applicants to check this webpage frequently for updates.
*Round One funds are intended to serve as an eight (8) month bridge until Round Two funds are solicited and awarded; however, awarded Round One funds may be used for up to 18 months.
