Title
a. Authorize the Executive Director of the Monterey County Workforce Development Board (WDB) to accept grant funds in the total amount not to exceed $1,998,840 from the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement / California Volunteers, to serve a total of 90 young adult participants from 18-30 years of age; and
b. Authorize the Executive Director to sign the services agreement to receive the grant from the Community Engagement/ California Volunteers effective retroactive to May 28, 2025, for the period from July 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the Executive Director of the Monterey County Workforce Development Board (WDB) to accept grant funds in the total amount not to exceed $1,998,840 from the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement / California Volunteers, to serve a total of 90 young adult participants from 18-30 years of age; and
b. Authorize the Executive Director to sign the services agreement to receive the grant from the Community Engagement/ California Volunteers effective retroactive to May 28, 2025, for the period from July 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Monterey County Workforce Development Board (MCWDB) delivers comprehensive workforce development services to up to 200 out-of-school young adults annually. These services include case management, supportive services, job readiness training, occupational skills training, and job placement. To enhance and expand services for high-need youth, the MCWDB leverages a variety of funding streams in addition to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding received from the Department of Labor through the State of California.
The MCWDB is requesting approval to accept a $1,998,840 grant from California Volunteers to expand its Green Cadre program, which provides participants with career-building experiences in public service, with a focus on climate change and food insecurity. Young adults in Monterey County face significant barriers to employment and personal development, and the Green Cadre program addresses these needs by offering paid work experience, skills development, and community service opportunities in partnership with local organizations.
Funding from California Volunteers plays a critical role by enabling the MCWDB to serve individuals up to the age of 30-beyond the scope of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which limits services to those aged 24 and under. Under the proposed grant, the MCWDB will implement four Green Cadre cohorts of 22-23 young adults (ages 18-30), serving a total of 90 participants countywide. The target population includes low-income, unemployed, homeless, justice-involved, and otherwise high-need youth seeking to improve their lives and contribute to their communities. The MCWDB’s Executive Committee approved accepting the California Volunteers grant at its meeting on June 12, 2025.
Each cohort will engage in projects related to:
• Climate Change: Environmental stewardship, sustainability, and land restoration.
• Food Insecurity: Improving community access to food and supporting related local initiatives.
Budget Overview:
Expense Category Amount
Administration Cost $36,500
Operational Costs $59,500
Direct Operating Costs $31,100
Youth Service Corps Fellow Wages $1,008,000
Workforce Program Wraparound Services $198,072
Additional Program Expenses $665,668
Total Grant Request $1,998,840
The $96,000 for administration costs will cover the MCWDB Executive Director and Management Analyst’s time to administer the program ($15,500), as well as the Finance Manager, Accountant II, and other related administrative costs ($21,000). Additionally, certain operational costs are also covered ($59,500), including rent, utilities, phones, supplies, and outreach materials for the program.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The parties to the Agreement were involved in its development. County Counsel has approved the agreement.
FINANCING:
Approval of the California Volunteers grant and authorization to execute the services agreement will have no impact on the General Fund. Since the related expenditures were not included in the adopted Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget, a budget modification will be brought forward to the Budget Committee at a later date.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
By authorizing the Executive Director of the MCWDB to sign the grant agreement and accept funding from the Community Engagement/ California Volunteers, the Board of Supervisors will continue to support the MCWDB’s skill-building, and career pathway development for participants in Monterey County’s future workforce while addressing critical community needs.
√ Administration - Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
√ Economic Development - Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
√ Health and Human Services - Improve health and quality of life through County-supported policies, programs, and services, promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy environments in collaboration with communities
Prepared by: Elizabeth Kaylor, Management Analyst III, 5385
Approved by: Christopher Donnelly, Executive Director, 6644
ATTACHMENTS:
Board Report
Agreement for Community Engagement / California Volunteers