Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program (IL) Grant

Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program (IL) Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
Amount: US $150,000 - US $550,000
Last Updated: September 03, 2025

Summary

The Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program aims to expand opportunities in the construction industry for underrepresented populations, including women, veterans, and people of color. Administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, this program focuses on areas lacking pre-apprenticeship initiatives and encourages participation from historically underserved communities. With funding ranging from $150,000 to $550,000 and an anticipated 35 awards, it plays a vital role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the building trades.

Overview

NOTE: An entity must be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal. Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program (IL) Notice of Funding Opportunity Intent The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to expand the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program. The Illinois Works Pre- Apprenticeship Program is administered by the Department's Office of Illinois Works. The goal of the Illinois Works Act is to ensure that all Illinois residents have access to State capital projects and careers in the construction industry and building trades, as well as provide contracting and employment opportunities to historically underrepresented populations in the construction industry and the trades. The Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship NOFO and program is a critical component in the success of the Act, by increasing the number of qualified construction and building trades apprentices who are women, people of color, veterans or from otherwise underrepresented populations (as defined by the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act) and preparing them to enter full apprenticeship programs on their way to careers in construction and the building trades. This NOFO is focused, although not exclusively, on awarding grants in geographic areas where the Office of Illinois Works does not presently have pre-apprenticeship programs and to increase the representation of underrepresented groups that presently are not served or are underserved by existing programs including individuals of Asian descent, Veterans, and Women, among others. Funding Award Range - $150000 - $550000Anticipated Number of Awards - 35

Eligibility

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