The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) in partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to launch the Clean Energy Career Pathway Program.
Donor Name: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
State: Illinois
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 11/12/2024
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: 2 Years
Details:
This grant program will be an avenue to recruit students into the fields that support in-demand jobs in the clean energy sector, allowing students to be prepared for a career leading to steady employment and a livable wage. The grant will provide funding to eligible applicants to support the development and implementation of Clean Energy Career Pathways in districts and schools.
The Clean Energy Career Pathway Program will provide funding directly to eligible recipients to support the planning and implementation of a Clean Energy Career Pathway. Programs will include coursework, field experiences, and work-based learning designed to prepare students for entrance into careers focusing on clean energy. To ensure equitable pathways for students, this funding opportunity seeks qualified, eligible public or private educational institutions at the secondary and post-secondary level that will work with the Local Workforce Innovation Areas and employers to recruit students into clean energy fields and create pathways encompassing technical and employability skills with dual credit options.
Funding Information
This grant program is utilizing state funds appropriated by the General Assembly in Public Act 103-0589. Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is $5,000,000. Awards will range from approximately $100,000 to approximately $500,000.
Grant Period
The period of performance is expected to be November 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible entities for this NOFO are defined as Regional Offices of Education (ROEs); Intermediate Service Centers (ISCs); state institutions of higher education; schools designated as laboratory schools, public university laboratory schools approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE); area vocational centers; charter schools; cooperatives and other joint agreements with a governing body or board of control; schools operated by an ROE, ISC, or state agency; and school districts are eligible to apply. Entities that are approved shall be responsible for ensuring that they have facilities available and educators who are appropriately trained on use of any technologies or devices acquired for the purposes of the grant. Collaborative applications will be accepted. Entities are allowed to submit one application.
- Eligible entities must partner with a Community College, a Local Workforce Innovation Area, and employers to pilot clean the energy pathway programs.
For more information, visit DCEO.
