California awards US$1.2 million for job seeker assistance and evaluation

CALIFORNIA – The California Employment Development Department (EDD) announced that it has awarded $1.2 million in Technical Assistance and Evaluation for Equity and Special Populations (ESP) grants to support underserved job seekers.

The funds for Program Year (PY) 2021-22 will go to ICF Incorporated, LLC, to help current ESP grantees implement projects that promote employment strategies for this population.

ICF Incorporated, will improve equity of access to workforce development services for English language learners, citizens experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity, immigrants, justice-involved individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, young adults, and populations in places disproportionately impacted by Covid-19.

“These funds will support strategies to help address the complex needs of these underserved individuals and put them on the path to gainful employment,” said EDD Director Nancy Farias.

The company will use its expertise to assess and provide technical assistance to this year’s ESP awardees. Together, the team will design, develop and implement projects that accelerate employment strategies for populations obstructed by significant barriers to well-paying jobs.

This year’s grant will enable ICF to evaluate, analyze and improve current approaches to education, training and employment service delivery. Working in close coordination with ESP PY 21-22 awardees, EDD project managers, and stakeholders. In addition, ICF will build its organizational capacity to implement changes in service delivery models, close gaps and develop strategic planning, design effective programs, and use that experience to inform future workforce policies across the state.

The program will develop investment and industry partnerships while advancing projects that place participants in quality jobs with career paths leading to self-sufficiency.

Source: MEXICO-NOW Staff