Statewide Asylee Orientation (SAO) Project

The Statewide Asylee Orientation (SAO) is a virtual orientation for California residents who have been granted asylum. The accessible self-paced learning modules will be available in various languages via the California Department of Social Services’ (CDSS) web-based portal and include information and instructions on how to navigate eligible services and benefits.

Targeted Populations

Individuals who have been granted asylum by the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security or the U.S. Attorney General pursuant to U.S. Code Title 8, Section 1158 and/or community members who are assisting those who have been granted asylum.

SAO Services

The virtual SAO would provide information for asylees through culturally and linguistically appropriate self-paced, evergreen, virtual online content. This content would provide learning modules that would address areas such as:

• Eligibility for benefits (including cash, food, medical assistance, childcare, and housing and utilities)
• Employment (including employment and educational services and opportunities)
• Social adjustment (including community integration, financial literacy, and family wellness)
• Legal rights and responsibilities (including immigration services, processes, social security, legal permanent residency, and citizenship).

Asylees would be able to access these online learning modules at their own convenience.

Eligible Applicants

The CDSS Refugee Programs Bureau will be granting $300,000 in federal funds to qualified organizations.

Funding Announcement

A Public Briefing was held virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This briefing provided an overview of the SAO project, followed by a Question-and-Answer Session. 

You may view a recorded video of the public briefing here to learn more about the SAO project. This video discusses the program's background and purpose, principles and modules, eligibility criteria and Fund, application process, and key action dates.

Deadline extended: Applications accepted until June 24, 2022 by 5:00 p.m.

Answers To Submitted Questions

Responses to questions that were submitted by the due date.

RFA Documents

• SAO RFA – Announcement (June 24th Extension)
• SAO RFA - Application (June 24th Extension)
• SAO Exhibit A - Scope of Work
• SAO Exhibit B - Budget Details
• SAO Exhibit B - Attachment 1-Project Budget
• SAO Exhibit C - General Terms and Conditions
• SAO Exhibit C - Attachment 1-Grantee Certification Clauses
• SAO Exhibit D - Special Terms and Conditions
• SAO Exhibit E - Additional Provisions
• SAO Exhibit E – Attachment 1-Confidentiality and Security Requirements
• SAO Exhibit F - Statutory Authority

Back To Top