Scholarships, apprenticeships and free or low-cost training, starting in New England and adding states one by one, with a source link and last-checked date on every listing.
Confirm with the provider before you apply. Never pay to apply for a scholarship. Confirm deadlines, eligibility and costs with the school or program.
California: scholarships, apprenticeships and free training
Free college, apprenticeship doors, free training and scholarships for California residents. 4 listings, each with its source and last-verified date (Oct 17, 2026). Types here: Apprenticeship, Free training, Funding help.
Confirm eligibility, amounts and dates on the provider's page before you apply. Never pay to apply for a scholarship. Scam check
California Employment Development Department (EDD)
EDD describes America's Job Center of California as a network of local and state organizations that provides no-cost job and training services. Use CareerOneStop's American Job Center Finder to locate a center. EDD's training page also lists an Eligible Training Provider List of providers eligible for WIOA funding through Individual Training Accounts, including apprenticeship programs.
Who it is for (as stated)
Open to job seekers; training funds have WIOA eligibility rules.
Calbright College (part of the California Community Colleges)
Fully online, flexibly paced job-skills certificate programs. Calbright's FAQ says all programs are currently free thanks to public funding from the State of California, covering tuition, testing costs and technology such as Chromebooks and Wi-Fi devices. Programs listed on the FAQ: IT Support, Cybersecurity, CRM Platform Administration, Data Analysis, Project Management, Network Technology, HR Learning and Development, and Medical Coding (not accepting new applications at retrieval). Timelines of three, six, ten or fourteen months. The programs are noncredit and the college says it cannot guarantee a job.
Who it is for (as stated)
California residents aged 18 or older with a high school diploma or GED equivalent, regardless of immigration or financial status (as stated).
Cost or award (as stated)
Free (as stated)
Deadline or timing
Enroll when ready; coursework starts after meeting with a support counselor.
The California Workforce Development Board says the statewide system is a network of 45 local workforce development areas, each guided by a business-led local board that oversees WIOA programs and workforce services. Its page lists the boards by name, and CareerOneStop's Workforce Development Board Finder lists the state board (800 Capital Mall, Suite 1022, Sacramento) with its website.
Who it is for (as stated)
Anyone looking for local workforce training help; WIOA programs have their own eligibility rules.
California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards
State search tool for registered California apprenticeship programs by county and occupation. Each result lists requirements such as minimum age, education, physical requirements, exams, whether a driver's license is needed, and how and where to apply. The state warns that listed programs are officially registered but may not currently be accepting applications; each program sets its own application schedule, so contact it to ask. The page also links resources for veterans, women in construction and youth.
Who it is for (as stated)
Varies by program (for example, one sample listing on the state site shows minimum age 18, high school/GED and written and oral tests).
Cost or award (as stated)
Registered apprenticeships are paid jobs with training (see each program)