Integrated English Language and Civics Education (IELCE)
🏛 Illinois Community College Board
Can you apply?
This grant is for adult education providers serving English Language Learners (ELLs) who need literacy and civics education integrated with workforce development.
Eligible applicants work with adult ELLs, including professionals with foreign credentials, to develop English language skills and prepare for employment. Programs must integrate civics education, literacy training, workforce preparation, and career pathways.
This is a federal pass-through grant administered by Illinois. The program funds four-year awards (FY25-FY28). Years 3-4 are contingent on meeting programmatic requirements. Award amounts range from $5,000 to $500,000.
Cost-sharing is required.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for adult education providers serving English Language Learners (ELLs) who need literacy and civics education integrated with workforce development.
Eligible applicants work with adult ELLs, including professionals with foreign credentials, to develop English language skills and prepare for employment. Programs must integrate civics education, literacy training, workforce preparation, and career pathways.
This is a federal pass-through grant administered by Illinois. The program funds four-year awards (FY25-FY28). Years 3-4 are contingent on meeting programmatic requirements. Award amounts range from $5,000 to $500,000.
Cost-sharing is required.
Program description
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is intended to solicit a Request for Proposal from eligible programs (CFR 463.23) that work to achieve the purpose of Section 243, Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education, of Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014, which is to provide adult education and literacy services to:
• English Language Learners who are adults, including professionals with degrees and credentials in their native countries, that enables such adults to achieve competency in the English language and acquire the basic and more advanced skills needed to function effectively as parents, workers, and citizens in the United States.
• Prepare adults who are English Language Learners for, and place such adults in, unsubsidized employment in in-demand industries and occupations that lead to economic self-sufficiency.
• Integrate with the local workforce development system and its functions to carry out the activities of the program.
The Components of an IELCE program include:
• Literacy/English Language Acquisition
• Civics Education
• Workforce Preparation
• Integrated Education and Training / Integrated Career & Academic Preparation System (ICAPS)
Note: This Notice of Funding will provide Federal IELCE funding for the state Fiscal year 2025 through the state fiscal year 2028 and provides funding to carry out the expectations of IELCE – WIOA Section 243. Required deliverables, allowable activities, performance measures, and requirements for submitting a Request for Proposal are described throughout this NOFO. All funding is based on Federal appropriations.
Years 3, and 4 of IELCE funding are contingent on successfully meeting all required programmatic requirements. The criteria will be published in the IELCE Provider’s Guide. Federal Pass through. Federal Assistance Listing: 84.002. Administered by the Illinois Community College Board via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 684-01-2879).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Community College
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Workforce Development Program
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for adult education providers serving English Language Learners (ELLs) who need literacy and civics education integrated with workforce development.
Eligible applicants work with adult ELLs, including professionals with foreign credentials, to develop English language skills and prepare for employment. Programs must integrate civics education, literacy training, workforce preparation, and career pathways.
This is a federal pass-through grant administered by Illinois. The program funds four-year awards (FY25-FY28). Years 3-4 are contingent on meeting programmatic requirements. Award amounts range from $5,000 to $500,000.
Cost-sharing is required.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative (proposal describing program components)
- Budget and Budget Narrative (with cost-sharing breakdown)
- Workforce Integration Plan
- Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan
- Letters of support from workforce partners
Program contact
- 👤 Kang Hee Hong
- 📧 Kanghee.Hong@illinois.gov
- 📞 312-814-5849
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 84.002 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$116,770,172
-
$116,708,120
-
$78,217,666
-
$76,552,636
-
$74,934,815
-
$69,703,055
-
$61,525,547
-
$51,873,800
-
$51,418,967
-
$49,896,645
Top States by Funding
- CA 4 awards $350.5M
- TX 5 awards $302.2M
- NY 5 awards $209.4M
- FL 4 awards $152.3M
- PA 4 awards $77.8M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Programs serving adult English Language Learners. These include community colleges, workforce agencies, and education nonprofits meeting WIOA Section 243 requirements.
What geographic areas does this cover?
This is an Illinois-based grant administered by the Illinois Community College Board. Funding flows through the state.
What activities are funded?
English literacy instruction, civics education, workforce preparation, and integrated career/academic training (ICAPS). Programs connect ELLs to in-demand jobs.
Is there a rolling deadline?
The NOFO indicates rolling deadlines. Check the Illinois Community College Board website for specific submission periods and exact dates.
What's the funding range and match requirement?
Awards range $5,000–$500,000. Cost-sharing is required. Check the NOFO for the exact match percentage.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate clear connections to local workforce systems. Show how your program partners with employers and workforce development agencies.
- Build a strong evaluation plan. Programs must track employment outcomes, English proficiency gains, and civics competency. Use valid assessment tools.
- Address how you'll serve "hard-to-serve" adults. Include professionals with foreign credentials and workers in low-wage jobs.
- Plan for sustainability beyond Year 2. Years 3-4 funding depends on meeting performance benchmarks. Show how you'll maintain quality.
- Align your proposal with WIOA requirements. Read the IELCE Provider's Guide carefully. Demonstrate understanding of federal performance measures.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak or missing workforce connections. Applications fail when programs don't show real integration with local workforce development systems and employer partnerships. Vague performance metrics. Applicants often underestimate the detail required for tracking English proficiency and employment outcomes. Missing cost-share documentation. Failing to clearly identify and quantify matching funds or in-kind contributions.
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