Federal Perkins – Illinois Department of Corrections
🏛 Illinois Community College Board
Can you apply?
This grant is for Illinois community colleges that provide career and technical education (CTE) in correctional centers. Eligible programs include automotive technology, culinary arts, construction occupations, horticulture, and related fields.
Applicants must have existing partnerships with Illinois Department of Corrections facilities. Funds must strengthen instruction and academic support for incarcerated students.
No cost-sharing is required. Projects must align with the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.
This grant is for Illinois community colleges that provide career and technical education (CTE) in correctional centers. Eligible programs include automotive technology, culinary arts, construction occupations, horticulture, and related fields.
Applicants must have existing partnerships with Illinois Department of Corrections facilities. Funds must strengthen instruction and academic support for incarcerated students.
No cost-sharing is required. Projects must align with the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.
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 Perkins funds are authorized through the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. 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 that provide career and technical education (CTE) in correctional centers. Eligible programs include automotive technology, culinary arts, construction occupations, horticulture, and related fields.
Applicants must have existing partnerships with Illinois Department of Corrections facilities. Funds must strengthen instruction and academic support for incarcerated students.
No cost-sharing is required. Projects must align with the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- GATA Catalog application form (CSFA 684-00-0821)
- Project narrative describing instruction improvements
- Budget and budget narrative
- Partnership documentation from Illinois Department of Corrections
- Evidence of existing CTE programs in correctional centers
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
-
$142,241,995
-
$141,892,526
-
$129,048,538
-
$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
Who can apply for this grant?
Illinois community colleges operating CTE programs in correctional centers. You must partner with Illinois Department of Corrections facilities.
What does this funding support?
Instruction and academic support activities for CTE programs. Eligible programs include automotive, culinary, construction, horticulture, and similar trades.
Is cost-sharing required?
No. This grant does not require matching funds or cost-sharing from your institution.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is June 18, 2026. Contact the Illinois Community College Board for deadline confirmation and application procedures.
How competitive is this grant?
Funding is distributed among Illinois community colleges with active correctional CTE programs. Strong applications demonstrate how funds improve instruction quality and student outcomes.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize how funds will directly improve instruction quality for incarcerated students in your CTE programs.
- Document partnerships with your specific Illinois Department of Corrections facilities and program areas.
- Include measurable outcomes like course completion rates, credential attainment, and post-release employment data.
- Highlight sustainability plans beyond the grant period for program continuation.
- Connect your budget to specific instructional improvements, equipment, or support services needed.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to demonstrate active partnerships with Illinois DOC facilities. Proposing generic improvements without specific connection to correctional education context. Underestimating administrative coordination required with DOC for implementation.
Similar grants
- OPEN FY2027 LPN Grant – State CTE — Illinois Community College Board
- OPEN FY2027 State CTE – Illinois Department of Corrections — Illinois Community College Board
- OPEN HFS Social Health Care Network (SHCN) Program — Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
- CLOSED Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Program — Employment Development Department (California)
- CLOSED California Creative Corps – Administering Organization Grant — CA Arts Council (California)