The California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) is pleased to announce up to $3 million in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Governor’s discretionary funds for the Workforce Accelerator Fund 14 (Accelerator 14) grant program.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The CWDB seeks to fund two or more partnerships that will develop a scalable, replicable career pathway program focused on the Quantum or Fusion sectors. Funded projects will integrate multiple on- and off-ramps for participants from the K-12 system through the community college and four-year university systems. The intent of Accelerator 14 is to support the development of programs that offer: 

• Establish industry-recognized credentials that will prepare jobseekers for quality jobs in the Quantum or Fusion sectors; particularly short-term credentials that can be attained in approximately eight to thirteen weeks.
• Train and place participants into jobs in Quantum, Fusion, and/or adjacent occupations within the Quantum or Fusion supply chains that do not require a four-year degree.
• Provide career education, exploration, and introductory technical education at the High School and Community College levels.
• Offer guidance and support to students seeking to enter a four-year degree program focused on Quantum, Fusion, or a related field.
• Conduct outreach, recruitment, and supportive services for jobseekers facing barriers to employment. 

The CWDB will consider applications for both participant serving (Innovation Impact), and non-participant serving projects (Planning and Development).

GRANT AWARDS

Applicants may request up to $1.5 million in grant funding and must contribute matching and/or leveraged funds from non-CWDB sources at a 1:1 rate.

ELIGIBILE APPLICANTS

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• K-12 school districts
• Community colleges
• Public universities
• Community-based organizations
• Nonprofit organizations
• Local workforce development boards
• Adult education providers

REQUIRED PARTNERSHIPS

All applications must include at least one employer partner and a partner from at least one—preferably each—of the institutions below:

• K-12 School District
• Community College
• California State University
• University of California or California-based National Laboratory or Research Facility

Applicants are required to substantiate required partnerships in the Accelerator 14 application by uploading supporting documentation.

APPLICATION WEBINAR

The CWDB will host a virtual application webinar July 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. PDT. to provide an overview of the Accelerator 14 grant program. This webinar will be recorded and posted on CWDB’s YouTube channel.

VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS

The CWDB will host a virtual office hours session August 12, at 10:30 a.m. PDT for prospective applicants to assist with technical issues related to the online application and to answer questions about the application process.

GRANT TIMELINE

All dates provided are estimates and may be subject to change. We encourage prospective applicants to check this webpage frequently for updates.

FUNDING SOURCE INFORMATION

The Workforce Accelerator Fund 14 is supported by the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) in coordination with the California Employment Development Department (EDD) with 100% funding from the Department of Labor totaling $3,000,000.