Federal Workforce Funding Can Pay for Your UCSC Extension Courses

Displaced or disadvantaged workers may be eligible for financial assistance to attend UCSC Extension certificate programs through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

When you qualify through their local California Employment Development Department office, the funds may be applied toward the cost of Extension fees, required books, and materials for these certificate programs. Out-of-pocket expenses, if any, are determined on a case-by-case basis by Extension. Students will be notified and responsible for additional costs. In most cases, funding will only cover the minimum number of required units to complete the program for which you are approved.

Who is eligible for WIOA funding?

More than 175 of our students receive funding through the WIOA program. Although UCSC Extension cannot approve students for this funding, we work closely with several great agencies in the San Francisco and Monterey bay areas. Please reach out to them for counseling and learn about the availability of funding. We work directly with the following agencies:

• East Bay Works
• Tri-Cities Career Center
• Tri-Valley Career Center
• Rubicon Programs
• NOVA Workforce Board
• Workforce Santa Cruz County

How to Enroll in a UCSC Extension Certificate Program

1. Research our approved programs. Most of our certificate programs can be completed in 9 to 12 months, but duration depends on your program selection, funding restrictions, and course availability.
2. Contact your nearest agency and follow their application process.
3. Once approved, email workforce@ucsc.edu.
4. A UCSC Extension Workforce representative will contact you to finalize your program schedule and review student responsibilities.
5. Students are required to accept a recommended academic plan and program schedule prepared by UCSC Extension to complete the enrollment process. Students follow an approved program of study that culminates in completion of the certificate program that includes an academic plan of required courses followed by elective courses, and which adheres to WIOA funding restrictions and available scheduling.
6. Submit an enrollment form for each academic term through the Workforce Training Enrollment Form online.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Read our Equal Opportunity Statement.