Career Education
California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids

What is CalWORKs
California Work Opportunities and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) is a state program to assist families with dependent children under 19 years of age. As a condition of receiving CalWORKs assistance, adults in CalWORKs families may be required to participate in welfare-to-work activities. Permissible activities include education and training. CalWORKs students are either referred to schools from the Department of Public Social Services or self-enroll in classes. The Division of Adult and Career Education is a major provider of education and training to CalWORKs recipients.

CalWORKs Recipients
If you are receiving CalWORKs assistance, enrolling in a Division of Adult and Career Education school is an important step toward acquiring the necessary skills to find and succeed in a good paying job. You can get started in a training program now, even if you are not currently required to participate in GAIN activities. If you are required to participate at a later date, current regulations allow CalWORKs recipients to continue to attend education and training programs that lead to employment.

Schools offer over seventy occupational programs as well as classes to improve language and math skills, obtain a GED or a high school diploma. When enrolling, be sure to mention you are a CalWORKs recipient so we can put you in touch with the CalWORKs adviser at the school you choose. For school locations, please click on School Finder in the box on the left of the screen.

CalWORKs Case Managers
All Division of Adult and Career Education Schools are listed in the GEARS training directory. Classes are available morning, afternoon, and evening (and Saturdays) to accommodate various scheduling needs. You may refer participants for full or part time programs. When making referrals, it is useful to include a copy of the participant’s employment plan along with referral documents. Some schools have designated enrollment days and testing days. If you are referring a participant to a particular school for the first time, it is a good idea to contact the school for program-specific information.