California’s workers are eager to gain the skills needed for the jobs of the future — but too many still face barriers that make training out of reach. While tuition may be covered, everyday expenses like childcare, transportation, housing, and tools often stand in the way of opportunity.
In our new brief, The Missing Piece: Building an Inclusive System of Flexible Financial Support for Workforce Learners, the California EDGE Coalition explores how the state can update its financial aid system to reflect the realities of today’s workforce learners.
The brief outlines practical solutions — from expanding flexible aid options and leveraging federal opportunities like short-term Pell Grants and the Ability to Benefit, to deepening partnerships between employers, educators, and policymakers. Together, these strategies can create a more equitable system that supports every Californian on the path to economic mobility.
Read the full brief to see what’s next for California’s workforce here.