Financial Assistance in California

Professional Training Funding for California Residents

Learn which state, local, professional, and private organizations may help pay for career training. We explain where to apply, which official websites to use, and which documents you may need to prepare.

Find the Right Option View All Programs

Choose Your Situation

Indicate whether you are employed, changing careers, receiving CalWORKs or CalFresh, or seeking vocational rehabilitation services.

Visit the Official Website

Each button will take you directly to the appropriate agency, application page, or local office search tool.

Request School Documents

If an organization is willing to consider your training request, we can prepare the program description, invoice, and school documents.

Important: Chicago Institute of Hypnosis and Coaching is not a government agency, does not award government grants, and does not guarantee funding. Final eligibility and funding decisions are made by the applicable agency, program, organization, or employer.

Step-by-Step Guidance

How to Find Potential Training Funding

You do not need to navigate every public program on your own. Follow these three steps to identify a possible funding path and contact the appropriate organization.

Choose Your Situation

Identify which option applies to you, such as unemployment, a career change, CalWORKs or CalFresh participation, a health condition, employer assistance, or another circumstance.

You can select the most relevant option in the next section.

Contact the Organization

Use the direct button to visit the official website and follow the instructions. For every option, we explain whom to contact, what to ask, and which page or form to use.

The official website will open in a new browser tab.

Send Us the Response

If the organization agrees to consider your program or requests school documentation, send us the complete response and the contact information for the counselor or coordinator.

We will prepare documents based on the sponsor’s requirements.

Start by Choosing Your Situation

Select the button below to review funding paths that may apply to your circumstances.

Choose Your Situation

Potential Sources of Assistance

Choose the Situation That Applies to You

Funding availability may depend on your county, employment status, income, health, and other circumstances. Select the option that most closely matches your situation to continue to the relevant guidance.

I Lost My Job or Want to Change Careers

Learn about the American Job Center of California, local Workforce Development Boards, and possible funding for occupational or career training.

View Workforce Programs

I Participate in CalWORKs

CalWORKs participants may ask their caseworker whether professional training can be included in an employment or Welfare-to-Work plan.

View CalWORKs Guidance

I Participate in CalFresh

Check whether CalFresh Employment and Training programs in your county offer support for training, employment preparation, or related participation expenses.

View CalFresh E&T

I Have a Disability or Health Condition

The California Department of Rehabilitation may consider professional training as part of an individualized employment plan for eligible clients.

View Rehabilitation Services

I Am a Refugee or Resettlement Program Participant

Some local refugee-serving organizations provide employment assistance, vocational preparation, document support, and career-related services.

View Refugee Employment Resources

I Am Employed and Want Employer Assistance

Ask whether your employer offers tuition assistance, professional development reimbursement, or payment for training related to your current or future role.

View Employer Assistance

I Belong to a Union or Professional Association

Some unions, associations, and professional funds provide tuition benefits, education reimbursement, scholarships, or other support for members.

Review Education Benefits

None of These Options Apply to Me

Use 211 California and other local referral resources to search for nonprofit organizations, workforce programs, and additional assistance available in your county.

View Additional Resources

Not sure which option to choose? Start with an American Job Center of California or contact 211. A local specialist may help identify programs available in your county.

Funding Option 01

America’s Job Center of California and Workforce Development Programs

Consider this option if you have lost your job, receive unemployment benefits, want to change careers, or need occupational training to return to the workforce.

Where to Begin

Contact Your Nearest America’s Job Center of California

AJCC locations provide employment services and can help determine which occupational training resources may be available in your local area. In some cases, training may be considered through local Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs or another workforce funding source.

Employment and career-change guidance

Skills and employment-goal assessment

Information about available training programs

Review of possible financial assistance

What to Ask the Counselor

Explain that you are considering an occupational training program and ask whether you may qualify for assistance with training costs.

“I am interested in occupational training and would like to know whether I may qualify for WIOA or another workforce training funding program. What eligibility and training-provider requirements apply in my local area?”

Find a Local Job Center Visit the Official AJCC Page Find a Local Workforce Board

Recommended Steps

Find the AJCC that serves your city or county.
Request an appointment or attend the required orientation.
Explain your employment goal and why training is needed.
Ask about participant, program, and training-provider requirements.
Forward the written request to us if the counselor needs school documentation.

Documents You May Be Asked to Provide

description of the selected program;
program duration and training schedule;
complete tuition and fee information;
information about the training institution;
an invoice or preliminary cost estimate;
employment or income documentation;
an explanation of how the training supports your career goal.

Funding Option 02

CalWORKs and the Welfare-to-Work Program

This option is intended for CalWORKs participants. Depending on your individualized employment plan, occupational training may be considered as an approved Welfare-to-Work activity.

For CalWORKs Participants

Discuss the Training With Your CalWORKs Caseworker

CalWORKs is administered through county social services agencies. If you currently receive CalWORKs, contact your caseworker or Welfare-to-Work employment specialist before enrolling or making a payment. Ask whether the selected program may be included in your Welfare-to-Work plan as vocational education, job skills training, or another approved educational activity.

Occupational training or vocational education

Employment preparation and job skills development

Assistance with transportation expenses

Child care assistance during approved activities

What to Ask Your Caseworker

Explain how the training relates to your employment goal and ask which requirements must be satisfied before the program can be approved.

“I currently receive CalWORKs and would like to know whether this occupational training program may be approved as part of my Welfare-to-Work plan. What requirements must the program and training provider meet, and what documents should I submit?”

Visit the Official Welfare-to-Work Page Open BenefitsCal Find Your County Social Services Office

Recommended Steps

Contact your CalWORKs caseworker or Welfare-to-Work employment specialist.
Explain the occupation or employment goal you are pursuing.
Present the selected program as employment-related occupational training.
Ask whether the program may be included in your individualized Welfare-to-Work plan.
Obtain a written list of requirements and documents before paying for training.
Forward the caseworker’s request to us if institutional documentation is required.

Documents the Caseworker May Request

official program title;
curriculum or program description;
program duration and schedule;
complete tuition and fee information;
information about the training institution;
an invoice or cost estimate;
a description of your career goal;
an explanation of how training supports employment;
additional forms required by your county.

Important: do not enroll or make a payment based on an expectation of reimbursement until your caseworker confirms approval in writing. Welfare-to-Work requirements, supportive services, and training-provider rules may differ by county and by the participant’s individualized employment plan.

Funding Option 03

CalFresh Employment and Training

If you receive CalFresh, ask whether CalFresh Employment and Training is available in your county and whether it may support occupational training or employment preparation.

For CalFresh Participants

Contact Your County Social Services Agency

CalFresh E&T helps eligible participants develop skills and prepare for employment. The program is administered locally, so available services and procedures may differ by county. First, confirm whether your county operates CalFresh E&T and whether it is currently accepting participants.

Occupational or job skills training

Job search support and resume preparation

Career readiness and skills development

Possible participant reimbursements or supportive services

What to Ask the Program Representative

Ask whether CalFresh E&T operates in your county and whether the selected program may be considered as approved occupational training.

“I currently receive CalFresh and would like to know whether CalFresh Employment and Training is available in my county. Could this occupational training program be considered, and what participant and training-provider requirements apply?”

Visit the Official CalFresh E&T Page Open BenefitsCal Find Your County Office

Recommended Steps

Confirm that you currently participate in CalFresh.
Contact your county social services or CalFresh office.
Ask whether your county offers CalFresh E&T.
Explain your employment goal and why training is needed.
Ask about participant, program, and provider requirements.
Obtain written authorization before enrolling or paying.
Forward the representative’s request to us if school documentation is required.

Documents You May Be Asked to Provide

proof of current CalFresh participation;
program title and description;
curriculum or course outline;
program duration and schedule;
tuition and fee information;
information about the training institution;
an invoice or preliminary cost estimate;
a description of your career goal;
forms required by your county.

Important: not every California county operates CalFresh Employment and Training, and available services may vary. Receiving CalFresh does not automatically mean that training will be funded. Do not enroll or make a payment until you receive written approval from the responsible organization.

Funding Option 04

California Department of Rehabilitation

Consider this option if a physical or mental impairment substantially affects your ability to obtain, retain, or regain employment and you need vocational rehabilitation services to reach an employment goal.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Apply for Services and Discuss Training With a DOR Counselor

The California Department of Rehabilitation assists eligible Californians with disabilities in preparing for, obtaining, retaining, or regaining employment. Services are determined individually based on the applicant’s employment goal, abilities, needs, and vocational circumstances.

Vocational assessment and career counseling

College or career training related to an employment goal

Work-readiness and employment assistance

Assistive technology and other necessary support services

What Is an Individualized Plan for Employment?

After eligibility is established, you and your DOR counselor jointly develop a written Individualized Plan for Employment. The plan identifies your employment goal and the services needed to achieve it. Training should be reviewed, authorized, and included in the plan before enrollment or payment.

What to Ask the DOR Counselor

Explain the type of work you want to perform, how your disability affects employment, and why the selected training is necessary to achieve your employment goal.

“I am interested in applying for vocational rehabilitation services. I have identified an occupational training program that may support my employment goal. Could this training be considered for inclusion in my Individualized Plan for Employment, and what program and provider requirements would apply?”

Apply for DOR Services Find a Local DOR Office Review DOR Services

Recommended Steps

Submit a request for vocational rehabilitation services.
Provide the information needed for DOR to assess eligibility and priority for services.
Discuss your vocational limitations, strengths, interests, abilities, and employment goal with your counselor.
Present the selected program as training needed to achieve a specific employment outcome.
Ask about DOR requirements for the program, training provider, and training costs.
Obtain written authorization and confirmation that the training is included in your IPE before enrolling or paying.
Forward the counselor’s written request to us if institutional documentation is needed.

Documents You May Be Asked to Provide

a DOR services application;
medical or psychological documentation;
information about functional limitations;
a description of your employment goal;
the program title and description;
a curriculum or course outline;
program duration and schedule;
tuition and fee information;
information about the training institution;
an invoice or preliminary cost estimate.

Important: submitting an application or having a disability does not guarantee payment for training. DOR independently determines eligibility, priority for services, and the contents of the Individualized Plan for Employment. Do not enroll or make a payment based on an expectation of reimbursement until the training has been authorized in writing and included in your IPE.

Funding Option 05

Refugee Employment Services

If you entered the United States as a refugee or belong to another eligible humanitarian newcomer category, a local refugee services organization may help with employment preparation, career adjustment, and access to available training resources.

For Eligible Newcomers

Contact a Resettlement Agency or Refugee Employment Provider

Refugee services in California are delivered through partnerships among state agencies, counties, resettlement agencies, and local nonprofit providers. Available programs depend on your immigration category, date of arrival or status, county, funding source, and individualized employment plan.

Employment counseling and job-search assistance

English-language and workplace preparation

Review of foreign education and professional experience

Referral to occupational or career training

Confirm Your Eligibility First

Not every immigrant automatically qualifies for refugee-funded services. The organization may request documents showing your immigration category, arrival or eligibility date, and participation in other benefit programs. Eligibility must be confirmed individually by the local provider.

What to Ask the Program Representative

Explain your immigration category, employment goal, and selected program. Ask whether employment and training services are available and whether the organization can consider assistance with training expenses.

“I would like to confirm whether I am eligible for refugee employment and training services. I am considering an occupational training program related to my employment goal. Could your organization review whether this training may be supported and explain the participant and provider requirements?”

Visit the Official Refugee Services Page Find a Resettlement Agency Open BenefitsCal

Recommended Steps

Find a resettlement agency, county refugee office, or refugee employment provider serving your area.
Ask whether you qualify for the organization’s refugee employment services.
Explain your education, prior experience, and employment goal.
Present the selected program as training connected to a specific employment outcome.
Ask whether the organization may cover all or part of the training costs or refer you to another funding source.
Obtain written requirements before enrolling or making a payment.
Forward the representative’s request to us if institutional documentation is required.

Documents You May Be Asked to Provide

documents confirming immigration category or status;
documentation showing arrival or eligibility date;
government-issued identification;
information about current benefits or assistance programs;
a resume and prior employment history;
the training program title and description;
a curriculum or course outline;
program duration and schedule;
tuition and fee information;
an invoice or preliminary cost estimate.

Important: refugee or other humanitarian status does not guarantee payment for a selected program. Eligibility, allowable expenses, service periods, and training-provider requirements are determined by the responsible organization. The Institute does not provide refugee funding or make funding decisions. Do not pay for training based on an expectation of reimbursement without written authorization.

Funding Option 06

Employer Tuition Assistance

Some employers fully or partially support employee education through tuition assistance, tuition reimbursement, professional development budgets, or company-sponsored training programs.

Employer-Sponsored Education

Ask HR or Your Supervisor About Available Benefits

If the program is connected to your current position, leadership development, communication, employee support, training responsibilities, or future career growth, your employer may consider it an eligible professional development expense. Requirements depend on the employer’s internal policies.

Tuition assistance paid directly to the training institution

Tuition reimbursement after successful course completion

Professional development or employee learning budget

Company-sponsored training for a team or employee group

Possible Payment Arrangements

full payment of program tuition by the employer;
partial payment within an annual benefit limit;
reimbursement after successful course completion;
payment for individual modules or academic periods;
shared payment between the employee and employer;
a corporate agreement for multiple participants.

What to Ask HR or Your Supervisor

Ask whether the company offers an education or professional development benefit, which programs qualify, and whether approval is required before enrollment.

“I am interested in an occupational training program that supports my professional development and career goals. Does our company offer tuition assistance, tuition reimbursement, or a professional development budget that may be used for this program? What approval process and documentation are required before enrollment?”

Request Employer Documentation Review Institute Programs

Recommended Steps

Review your employee handbook, benefits portal, or company education policy.
Contact HR, the benefits department, or your direct supervisor.
Ask about annual limits, employment tenure requirements, and eligible programs.
Explain how the training relates to your current role or career development.
Request the curriculum, schedule, tuition information, and other documents from us.
Submit the employer’s internal request before enrollment or payment.
Obtain written confirmation of the approval and payment process.

Documents the Institute Can Provide

the official program title;
program description and learning outcomes;
a curriculum or course outline;
program duration and schedule;
tuition and fee information;
a tuition estimate;
an employer invoice;
information about the training institution;
confirmation of student enrollment;
completion or attendance confirmation.

Important: the Institute does not determine an employee’s eligibility for employer-sponsored education benefits and cannot guarantee reimbursement. Before enrolling, confirm whether prior approval is required, which documents must be submitted, and whether payment is made directly or reimbursed after completion.

Funding Option 10

Institute Scholarships and Internal Grants

Have you not found an external funding program that meets your needs? The Institute offers internal grants to support students who want to pursue professional education but need additional financial assistance.

$500 $1,000 $1,500

Review the Requirements and Apply

The dedicated scholarship page explains the current eligibility requirements, selection process, application terms, and steps for submitting an internal grant application.

Learn About Grants and Apply

Submitting an application does not guarantee an award. All applications are reviewed individually.

Important: an internal grant is a form of partial financial assistance provided by the Institute. The number of grants is limited. Award amounts, selection periods, and funding decisions are determined by the Institute under the current terms of the program. Grant funds are not paid directly to recipients and may only be applied toward the tuition of an eligible Institute program.

Funding Option 11

Flexible Payment Plans

If a grant or external funding program is not available to you, you may consider paying tuition in installments. Many Institute programs offer monthly payments or a full-payment option.

Tuition Payment Options

Select a Payment Format That Works for You

Payment arrangements depend on the selected program, its duration, and instructional format. Before enrollment, an admissions representative will provide the total tuition, payment schedule, and applicable Enrollment Agreement terms.

Monthly Payments Program tuition may be divided into scheduled payments throughout the training period.

Payment in Full Some programs may offer a tuition discount when the full amount is paid before training begins.

Initial Payment Certain programs may require an initial payment at enrollment, followed by scheduled installments.

Combined Funding When permitted by the funding organization, the student may pay the remaining tuition balance.

Review All Terms Before Training Begins

Before signing an agreement, you will receive information about total tuition, individual payment amounts, payment dates, applicable fees, cancellation terms, and the refund policy.

What to Ask the Admissions Representative

Identify the program you are considering and request all available payment options, including the total tuition and complete payment schedule.

“I am considering enrollment in this program. Please provide the total tuition, available payment plans, initial and monthly payment amounts, and information about any discount available for payment in full.”

Request a Payment Plan Select a Program

Recommended Steps

Select the educational program you are interested in.
Contact an admissions representative.
Request the total tuition and available payment options.
Compare monthly installments with payment in full.
Confirm payment dates, discounts, and any additional fees.
Review the cancellation and refund policies.
Sign the Enrollment Agreement and retain a copy.

Information to Review

the total program tuition;
the required initial payment;
the number of monthly payments;
the amount and due date of each payment;
any discount for payment in full;
registration and additional fees;
the cancellation policy;
the refund policy;
the consequences of late payment;
the terms for completing financial obligations.

Important: a payment plan is not a grant, loan, or guaranteed form of financial assistance. Specific amounts, payment dates, discounts, and conditions depend on the selected program and are stated in the Enrollment Agreement. Before signing, carefully review the total tuition, payment schedule, cancellation policy, and refund terms.

Your Next Step

Need Help Choosing a Funding Option?

Contact the Institute’s admissions team. We can help you identify the educational program that aligns with your professional goals, explain tuition and payment options, and prepare documents that may be requested by an employer, counselor, caseworker, or funding agency.

Program and tuition information

Curriculum, schedule, and program description

Documentation for an employer or funding agency

Discuss Your Next Step With Admissions

Tell us which program interests you, the state where you live, and which funding option you are considering. An admissions representative will explain which documents the Institute can provide.

Request a Consultation Review Programs

An Institute consultation is not a decision regarding eligibility for a government grant or other external funding.

Please note: the Institute can provide information about its programs, tuition, and supporting documentation, but it does not determine an applicant’s eligibility for government, county, employer-sponsored, or nonprofit funding. Eligibility and funding decisions are made by the applicable agency or organization.