The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Employment & Training has released a Youth Career Pathway Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on Illinois workNet. This opportunity seeks to address youth college and career readiness, create employment opportunities, improve equity in underserved communities, and expand partnerships between the workforce system, education, and business.
What: Applicants will create or expand programs that seek to improve youth college and career readiness, create employment opportunities, address equity in underserved communities, and expand partnerships between the workforce system, education, and business. Proposals must integrate workforce services, education, and economic development to address the challenges youth face in obtaining marketable and in-demand skills. All projects must include essential employability skills, financial and digital literacy, assessments, and programming.
Potential applicants: Organizations include but are not limited to Community Based Organizations, Community Colleges, Industry Associations, and Local Workforce Innovation Boards.
How Much: $3-4 million total. Grants will not exceed $500,000.
Due: All applications must be sent electronically to CEO.YouthGrants@illinois.gov by 5:00 pm on April 1, 2021. To apply, click here.