Governor Pritzker Announces $13 Million Investment in Job Training and
Economic Development Program
Eligible entities can now apply to serve as
community partners to boost equitable workforce recovery
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[December 01, 2023]
CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced an
additional $13 million investment in the Job Training and Economic
Development Program (JTED) for workforce training and wrap-around
services that will bolster equitable workforce recovery for Illinoisans
struggling to gain meaningful employment. As part of Illinois’ workforce
recovery efforts, JTED grants focus on helping increase employment among
workers and industries hardest hit by COVID-19. Grantees will be
selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
process.
“As we continue to bounce back from the pandemic, my administration
remains committed to supporting our workforce and the industries that
employ them,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Today, I am proud to announce
that we are investing another $13 million into DCEO’s Job Training and
Economic Development Program—building on our first round of funding to
serve even more Illinoisans with resources, services, and trainings,
while centering equity at every turn. From healthcare and tourism to
manufacturing and agriculture, we are ensuring that every industry has
the staff they require to thrive and that every resident, no matter
their background, has the opportunity to take part in our nation’s
number one workforce.”
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In the second round of the program, JTED will address the economic
impacts experienced by employers and individuals who are underemployed,
unemployed, or underrepresented, including youth who have one or more
barriers to employment which are identified as risk factors. Priority
populations include immigrants and refugees, justice-involved
individuals, and rural residents.
“The second round of JTED program grants goes directly to residents that
need our support the most, and we must ensure all Illinoisans benefit
from a robust recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Lt. Governor
Juliana Stratton. “These funds address labor shortage challenges from
the pandemic so all of our residents can participate in an equitable
workforce for Illinois.”
JTED funding will continue to focus on hard hit sectors which have seen
a labor shortage since the onset of the pandemic – such as
manufacturing, agriculture, information technology, transportation
distribution and logistics, architecture and construction, healthcare,
and hospitality and tourism.
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“The JTED program has helped thousands of Illinois families who were
hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the second round of the
program will continue to assist Illinoisans who need it the most,”
said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Illinois is known for its
world-class workforce, and DCEO is committed to supporting an
equitable workforce recovery by providing support services to
underemployed, unemployed and underrepresented communities.”
The State’s JTED model boosts access to education, training and
support services needed for vulnerable residents to successfully
re-enter the labor force. Additionally, JTED offers flexible funding
through Barrier Reduction services for individuals that have
emergency costs for basic needs.
“Illinois is known for its world-class workforce, and programs such
as the Job Training and Economic Development Program are critical to
advancing opportunities for people across the state to earn a living
and support their families,” said Senate Leader Elgie R. Sims, Jr.
(D-Chicago). “JTED promotes equity by providing education, training
and support services to priority populations like those impacted by
the criminal justice system.”
Eligible applicants include employers, private nonprofit
organizations, federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
administrative entities, Community Action Agencies, industry
associations, and public or private educational institutions that
have demonstrated expertise and effectiveness in administering
workforce development programs.
“The State’s continued workforce recovery efforts include a second
round of the successful JTED program to assist Illinoisans
struggling to find meaningful employment,” said House Assistant
Majority Leader Jay C. Hoffman (D-Swansea). “This $13 million
investment will give job seekers the opportunity to access workforce
training and wrap-around services that will help them land
good-paying jobs.”
Eligible entities can apply for grants between $250,000 to $750,000.
Applications will be accepted until January 10 at 5:00 p.m. To view
the NOFO and apply for the grant, please visit the
DCEO website.
To help applicants prepare to apply for funding, DCEO will be
holding a
webinar from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on December 13. Interested
parties are also encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov
for application assistance.
Through the first round of the JTED program, the State of Illinois
invested $20 million in 44 community-based organizations that are
currently serving nearly 1,900 unemployed, underemployed, or
underrepresented Illinoisans, with a special training focus on
industries hardest-hit by the pandemic.
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