Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Grant for Program Year 2026-27 (PY 26-27)

The California Employment Development Department (EDD), in partnership with the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, is offering up to $8.5 million in WIOA Governor’s Discretionary funds to expand Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) capacity in disadvantaged communities for program year 2026‑27. Funding will support pilot sites (10 selected counties) to recruit, train, and place young adults—especially those from under‑represented or justice‑system backgrounds—into EMT roles, with comprehensive wrap‑around services and a requirement to leverage at least 20 % of the budget from other sources. Applications are due Nov 2, 2026; an informational webinar is Oct 15, 2026; and a notice of intent is due Oct 16, 2026. Awards range $850k‑$1.25 M per site, with a performance period from March 1 2027 to March 31 2029. • Target audience: nonprofit, public agency, or tribal government applicants located in one of the 10 pilot counties. • Funding amount: $850,000‑$1,250,000 per award (total $8.5 M). • Required deliverables: recruit, train, and place EMTs; provide case management and support services; demonstrate 20 % budget leverage. • Funding method: reimbursement. • No matched funding required; letter of intent optional. • Evaluation based on existing collaborations with local EMS authorities, fire departments, training providers, and labor partners.