Helping Justice-Involved Reenter Employment 2.0

The California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) is offering the Helping Justice-Involved Reenter Employment 2.0 (HIRE 2.0) grant program, which aims to increase employment opportunities and job mobility for justice-involved individuals. The program will provide funding for training, supportive services, reskilling, and upskilling. Eligible applicants include existing HIRE 1.0 grantees and Network Spokes, and they must select a single project type. The program requires a minimum of 50% matched funding from a non-CWDB source. The objectives of the program are to increase employment opportunities and provide training and supportive services to justice-involved individuals. • The program has two project types: Independent and HIRE Network projects. • Local workforce development boards, community-based organizations, and other agencies are expected to operate in a collaborative relationship. • The program will provide approximately $9.5 million in funding. • The application deadline is February 26, 2026.