The Truants’ Alternative and Optional Education Program (TAOEP), administered by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), provides funding aimed at supporting educational services for truant, chronically truant, and dropout youth. The goal of the program is to encourage these students to return to school and ultimately graduate by offering alternative and optional education pathways. The initiative is designed to meet the unique needs of students whose attendance issues prevent them from succeeding in traditional educational settings.

Funded through state resources, TAOEP allocates an estimated total program funding of $11,500,000. The number of anticipated awards has not been pre-determined, offering flexibility in the number and size of grants issued based on the quality and needs of the applications received. There is no specified minimum or maximum award amount, and applicants are not required to provide matching funds. Indirect costs are allowed without any imposed restrictions.

Eligibility extends to a broad array of applicants capable of addressing truancy and dropout challenges within Illinois. Eligible applicants typically include school districts, Regional Offices of Education (ROEs), and other educational organizations or institutions recognized by ISBE. Full eligibility criteria are detailed in the provided documentation and on the ISBE Request for Proposals page.

Applications are being accepted from April 23, 2025, through June 9, 2025, by 4 PM Central Time. A technical assistance session is available, although not mandatory, and is scheduled for May 6, 2025, at 10 AM. Interested parties must register via the link provided in the announcement. Applicants are encouraged to review all program materials and attend the session to enhance their understanding of application requirements and strengthen their submissions.

Submissions must be made through the ISBE’s proposal portal, with complete details accessible via their official website. Applicants should carefully review the “Request for Proposals” section and adhere strictly to submission guidelines and deadlines. For further assistance, applicants may contact Brian Houser at bhouser@isbe.net.