State CTE – Illinois Department of Corrections
🏛 Illinois Community College Board
Can you apply?
This grant is for Illinois community colleges offering career and technical education (CTE) programs in correctional centers. Eligible applicants are Illinois community colleges providing instruction in fields like automotive technology, culinary arts, construction, and horticulture. Programs must serve incarcerated individuals at Illinois correctional facilities. Federal funding supports enhanced instruction and academic support to strengthen CTE pathways.
This grant is for Illinois community colleges offering career and technical education (CTE) programs in correctional centers. Eligible applicants are Illinois community colleges providing instruction in fields like automotive technology, culinary arts, construction, and horticulture. Programs must serve incarcerated individuals at Illinois correctional facilities. Federal funding supports enhanced instruction and academic support to strengthen CTE pathways.
Program description
The purpose of this funding is intended to enhance instruction and academic support activities that strengthen and improve career and technical education within Illinois correctional centers. CTE coursework at correctional centers is provided by several Illinois community colleges and is available for a number of program areas including automotive technology, culinary arts, construction occupations, and horticulture. Federal Assistance Listing: 84.048. Administered by the Illinois Community College Board via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 684-00-0821).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for Illinois community colleges offering career and technical education (CTE) programs in correctional centers. Eligible applicants are Illinois community colleges providing instruction in fields like automotive technology, culinary arts, construction, and horticulture. Programs must serve incarcerated individuals at Illinois correctional facilities. Federal funding supports enhanced instruction and academic support to strengthen CTE pathways.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- GATA application form
- Project narrative describing CTE enhancement activities
- Budget and budget narrative
- Letters of support from correctional facilities
- Documentation of student demographics and program outcomes
Program contact
- 👤 Janelle Washington
- 📧 janelle.washington@illinois.gov
- 📞 217-785-0068
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 84.048 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$142,241,995
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$141,892,526
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$129,048,538
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$127,681,305
-
$124,009,748
-
$115,760,375
-
$111,620,963
-
$110,135,008
-
$104,598,101
-
$86,683,245
Top States by Funding
- TX 7 awards $711.9M
- CA 6 awards $666.3M
- NY 7 awards $361.0M
- FL 4 awards $248.4M
- GA 4 awards $189.6M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Which institutions can apply for this grant?
Illinois community colleges that provide CTE instruction within correctional centers are eligible. Partners must have established programs serving incarcerated populations.
What types of CTE programs are supported?
Automotive technology, culinary arts, construction occupations, and horticulture are explicitly mentioned. Other career and technical fields may also be eligible.
What can the funding support?
Enhanced instruction and academic support activities that improve CTE quality. Equipment, materials, and staffing are typically allowable.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is June 18, 2026. Check the Illinois GATA Catalog for submission requirements and portal information.
Who administers this grant?
The Illinois Community College Board manages the program through the state's GATA system under listing 84.048.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your proposal with correctional education best practices and documented student outcomes. Highlight how your CTE programs prepare incarcerated learners for employment.
- Work closely with correctional facility administrators to demonstrate partnership and commitment to serving this population effectively.
- Provide detailed budget justification showing how funds strengthen instruction specifically. Include staffing, equipment, and materials that directly improve program quality.
- Document student enrollment, completion rates, and post-release employment outcomes if available. Data strengthens your competitive position.
- Review GATA submission portal requirements early. State grants often have specific formatting rules and system deadlines that differ from federal processes.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak connection to correctional facility priorities and security requirements. Vague descriptions of how funding improves instruction quality or student outcomes. Insufficient budget detail or failure to show direct link between expenses and educational enhancement.
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