High Road to Construction Careers 2026 (HRCC 2026) Grant Program

The High Road to Construction Careers 2026 (HRCC 2026) Grant Program is a California Jobs First Initiative that aims to provide funding for the training of workers to meet the hiring needs of public infrastructure and construction projects. The program also seeks to promote access to joint-apprenticeship programs for individuals who have traditionally faced barriers to employment in the construction trades. The program has two rounds of funding, with Round One providing $8 million to existing HRCC grantees and Round Two providing approximately $19 million to regions with demonstrated hiring demand through a competitive application process. Key aspects of the program include: • Meeting demand by training workers for public infrastructure and construction projects • Promoting access to joint-apprenticeship programs for underrepresented groups • Boosting the economy by increasing employment and driving economic activity in disadvantaged communities • Eligible applicants include businesses, individuals, nonprofits, and tribal governments • Eligible geographies are statewide • The program has a reimbursement funding method • Applicants must apply for the exact amount shown in Table One of the RFA