Sourced from the federal TANF sampling characteristics, this graphic identifies the population of adults entering the CalWORKs program. This population is then mapped to a 'years of education variable'. At this point, educational attainment for adults subject to WTW requirements is only accurate upon program entry. In the coming months, Cal-OAR will augment this figure with data received from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the California Department of Education to track educational attainment while on CalWORKs aid as well as up to one-year post-exit.
The above data and charts illustrate the proportionate education levels of adults (with no high school diploma, with a high school diploma, and with more than a high school diploma education) entering the CalWORKs program from 2018 to 2022. Note this is presented in Federal Fiscal Years (FFY), not State Fiscal Years (SFY).
This topic is important as it suggests that the more education a client has, the less likely they are in need of the CalWORKs program. The data can encourage focusing on providing educational services to support clients in becoming self-sufficient. Individuals with formal primary and secondary education are more likely to gain stable employment and are less likely to be enrolled in public assistance programs.
Recent changes to state law intended to increase access to educational activities will likely impact data related to CalWORKs adult educational attainment at program exit. While this graphic looks at educational attainment at entrance, the outcome and impact of the program at client exit will be more evident as a result of these policy changes.
Specifically, Senate Bill (SB) 1232 took effect on January 1, 2021, and established advance supportive service payments for required books and supplies for CalWORKs WTW participants enrolled in qualifying, publicly funded postsecondary educational institutions. The bill was implemented via All County Letter (ACL) 21-04E. Subsequent ACLs 21-75E and 22-31 expanded the definition of qualifying institutions to include non-profit postsecondary educational institutions and adult schools.
In addition to mandating advance supportive service payments, SB 1232 significantly affected CalWORKs administrative processes related to access to postsecondary educational activities. SB 1232 increased flexibility for WTW participants to determine which degrees and/or courses they can pursue at SB 1232-eligible postsecondary educational institutions.
SB 768 took effect January 1, 2023, and amended statute to remove several barriers to participant success in postsecondary educational activities. The most significant impact of SB 768 is that it established that CalWORKs participants attending publicly funded postsecondary educational institutions are not required to participate in WTW activities during breaks in their educational activity.
SB 521 took effect January 1, 2024, and impacts pregnant and parenting teens who are working towards attainment of a high school diploma or equivalent through participation in the Cal-Learn program. Specifically, SB 521 reduced barriers to receiving Cal-Learn bonuses and eliminated Cal-Learn sanctions.