WIOA Funding

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Sonoma State Extended Education is an approved education provider for federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding. Many programs are fully funded for those individuals who are currently in transition, registered at a Workforce Development Center in California and meet eligibility requirements. Visit the Cal Jobs webpage for the latest list of approved programs, and follow the link for Job Seekers, or see the current list on this page.

What is the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA)?

WIOA is a federally funded training and job placement program administered by each state that provides tuition reimbursement for continuing education via professional development and trade certificates as well as degree completion programs.

Beneficiaries:

  • Job Seekers
  • Dislocated workers
  • Youth
  • Foster care participants
  • Incumbent workers
  • New entrants to the workforce
  • Veterans
  • Persons with disabilities
  • Employers

Activities' Goals:

  • Increase in employment
  • Job retention
  • Earnings
  • Occupational skill attainment

Outcomes:

  • Improves the quality of the workforce
  • Reduces welfare dependency
  • Enhances productivity and competitiveness of the nation

Who Qualifies for WIOA Funding?

Many people can qualify for WIOA grants. Workforce funding is generally budgeted into Adult, Dislocated Worker, Older Youth and Younger Youth categories. The majority of funding is budgeted toward adult and dislocated workers whose current job skills are out of date or will be soon. Clients seek training to update current skills or learn skills for a new career if his or her current occupation is not in demand.  Eligible adults (18+) can benefit from job search assistance and training opportunities. 

Which Programs are Eligible for WIOA Funding?

The programs currently approved for WIOA funding are listed below. New programs are added regularly, so check back for updates.

How to Become Eligible

  1. Go to www.caljobs.ca.gov and register. This will create a profile in the CalJOBS system which you will need to do before scheduling the orientation.
  2. If all criteria are met, your career counselor will provide you with a research form.
  3. Select the link to your program of choice from the list at the top of this page to complete that form.
  4. Reach out to the contact person specified on the program page with any questions.
  5. Once you’ve provided the program information to your career center, your application will be reviewed.
  6. If approved, the career center counselor will provide SSU Extended Education with a WIOA training agreement.
  7. SSU Extended Education will contact you to finalize your registration.

Please note:

  • If you live in another county other than those listed above please search for WIOA in your county online.
  • If approved for the program, the award amount is up to $5,000.00.
  • Counseling appointments are generally booked at least 60 days out from orientation date.
  • We partner with the designated WIOA offices in SSU six service areas, Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Lake, Marin and Solano counties.

Sonoma County Residents Job Link Application Process 

  1. After you register on CalJOBS, call Job Link to schedule an orientation 707-565-5550.
  2. After orientation an appointment will be set with a Job Link counselor.
  3. Click to view the list of items you will need to bring that are applicable to you. (It is important that you bring all relevant information from this list as it can delay your funding approval process).

What to Expect in the Counselor Meeting

During the first appointment the Counselor will go over the required documentation to establish eligibility for Job Link services. Eligibility is required in order to apply for the WIOA scholarship. Employment/training goals will be discussed and a plan is created with the client. Once eligibility has been established then the client meets with the Counselor to complete the WIOA Scholarship application. This process requires active engagement on the client’s behalf in order for the Counselor to support them work through their plan.

 

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