California has launched the new Golden State Education and Training Grant Program. (photo courtesy of Los Angeles Southwest College)

The California Student Aid Commission launched the new Golden State Education and Training Grant Program on Aug. 29, supporting Californians who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its ramifications. Eligible students may be awarded with a one-time grant of $2,500 for reskilling, up-skilling and accessing educational programs to get back into the workforce.

This is a bold, new initiative that provides grant aid to returning adult learners who can benefit from accessing education and training programs that provide new career skills without first formally applying for traditional financial aid. Investing in learners interested in re-entering higher education serves as an investment in the future of California’s workforce. Enabling more Californians to pursue higher education, re-skilling or upskilling helps address a critical gap in California’s workforce talent pipeline.

The Student Aid Commission, in partnership with the Los Angeles Community College District and LA Southwest College, hosted a press event on Aug. 30, celebrating the launch of the new initiative on the Southwest College campus.

“The need to provide support and pathways to new opportunities to workers displaced by changes to the economy has never been more clear or critical, which is why we are here today,” said Marlene Garcia, executive director of the California Student Aid Commission. “This program can address a key need for Californians in the short-term, while also catalyzing greater collaboration in serving this population and demonstrating impactful means of providing them with financial support as they position themselves for a successful career.”

“The Golden State Education and Training Grant Program is a win-win proposition for students and for the regional and State economy,” said Los Angeles Community College district chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez, Ph.D. “This transformational investment will support displaced workers to reenter the workforce, preparing workers and students for today’s and tomorrow’s in-demand jobs that lead to living wage employment.”

“One of the most harmful myths in education is this idea that at some point your brain stops learning, your skills stop building, and your heart stops dreaming,” said Ben Chida, chief deputy cabinet secretary at the office of the governor. “Most educational journeys are long and winding, and complicated … so we have to honor and value the proposition that it is important to be a lifelong learner – and that’s what the Golden State Education and Training Grant program is about.”

At the Student Aid Commission, we are committed to ensuring students are equipped with the tools they need to upskill, reskill and re-enter the workforce.

Applicants are qualified if they: lost their job due to the COVID-19 pandemic; have not been able to find an equivalent job since; were not enrolled in an education or training program at the time of their job loss; meet the income and asset requirements associated with the Cal Grant A eligibility; or are enrolled in a qualified education or training program, including at any California community college, California State University or University of California.

This program is outside the traditional student financial aid system and uses a separate stand-alone application that can be accessed at gsetg.csac.ca.gov.