The Apprenticeship Expansion Competitive Grant Program is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). DCEO is the primary economic development agency for the state of Illinois, focusing on strengthening the state’s workforce, supporting businesses, and promoting economic growth through various grant programs and initiatives. This grant is part of Illinois’ broader strategy to expand apprenticeship opportunities and increase the number of registered apprentices across the state.

The purpose of the Apprenticeship Expansion Competitive Grant Program is to increase access to and participation in high-quality apprenticeship programs, with a focus on underrepresented populations. The program aims to foster collaboration between employers, educational institutions, and community organizations to develop and implement innovative apprenticeship models. Funding will support program development, participant recruitment, training, equipment, and other necessary costs to build and expand registered apprenticeship programs.

A total of $10,000,000 is available for this program, with individual awards ranging from $200,000 to $1,000,000. Funding for this grant is provided through federal sources. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for applicants, and indirect costs are allowed without restrictions. The program anticipates making approximately 10 awards to successful applicants.

Eligible applicants include organizations that can demonstrate the ability to implement or expand registered apprenticeship programs. While specific eligibility criteria are not fully detailed in the summary provided, entities must be pre-qualified to apply. Pre-qualification and grant training resources are available through DCEO’s Learning Library.

Applications are accepted from January 30, 2025, through March 21, 2025, at 11:59 PM. A non-mandatory technical assistance session will be offered on February 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM, and interested applicants can register for the session via an online link. Applicants are required to complete a series of documents, including the NOFO Supplement, a technical proposal, a project workplan, the Uniform Grant Application, the Uniform Budget Template, and mandatory disclosure and conflict of interest forms.