Since 2014, the Workforce Accelerator Fund has supported new and existing projects that design, develop, and implement innovative workforce service models that lead to quality jobs and accelerate employment for California workers. The CWDB, in collaboration with the Employment Development Department (EDD) and the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), supports projects and partnerships to create and prototype innovative strategies that bridge education and workforce gaps for targeted populations.

With flexible funding, technical assistance, and an initiative-wide community of practice, Accelerator creates a space for innovation where workforce partners can implement and scale promising models and practices in workforce system service delivery infrastructure.

Workforce Accelerator Fund goals:

• Improve labor market and skills outcomes for the target groups through the development of strategies that fill gaps, accelerate processes, or customize services to ensure greater access to workforce services and employment opportunities.
• Implement, replicate, and scale successful innovations that emerged from previous Accelerator projects.
• Create new modes for service delivery and funding alignment that can be replicated across the state and tailored to regional needs.
• Leverage state investment with commitments from industry, labor, public, and community partners.