Illinois Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program (CEJA)
🏛 Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Oct 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for Illinois nonprofits and workforce organizations seeking to establish pre-apprenticeship training centers. Applicants must have capacity to recruit, screen, and train workers for construction and clean energy careers across one of three regional service areas. Organizations must commit to providing free training and stipends to participants from underserved communities. Illinois businesses and community organizations focused on workforce development are eligible to apply.
The program prioritizes historically marginalized populations and aims to increase diversity in clean energy and construction trades. Participants receive no-cost training plus living stipends during the pre-apprenticeship period. The program connects graduates to apprenticeships and job opportunities in green energy, construction, and building maintenance sectors.
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Program description
Illinois Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Centers (“Pre-apprenticeship Centers”) throughout the State that will recruit, prescreen, and provide pre-apprenticeship skills training, for which participants can attend free of charge and receive a stipend, to create a qualified, diverse pipeline of workers prepared for careers in the construction and building trades and clean energy jobs opportunities. Investments in clean energy technology and infrastructure, funded through CEJA and other state and federal funding sources, will generate significant construction, installation, maintenance, and repair activity in Illinois. Historically, these investments have not benefited underserved populations and communities. The Illinois Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program and the Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program are two of several programs created by CEJA to rectify these historical inequities. To create a qualified, diverse pipeline of workers prepared for careers in construction and building trades and clean energy jobs opportunities therein, the Illinois Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program creates 3 regional Pre-apprenticeship Centers throughout the State that recruit, prescreen, and provide pre-apprenticeship skills training. See NOFO Beneficiaries: Illinois workers that are interested in following a career pathway to clean energy occupations. Illinois businesses will also benefit from the increase in trained and qualified workers. Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 420-30-3137).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Workforce Development Program
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Organization background and relevant experience
- Detailed project narrative and work plan
- Recruitment and enrollment strategy targeting underserved populations
- Letters of support from employers and apprenticeship programs
- Budget and budget narrative
- Diversity and equity plan
- Staffing plan with trainer qualifications
Program contact
- 👤 Diana Fuller
- 📧 Diana.Fuller@illinois.gov
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Illinois state appropriations. How funding has trended year over year.
| 2022 | $1 | |
| 2023 | $16,000,000 | |
| 2024 | $16,000,000 | |
| 2027 | $16,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Illinois nonprofits, workforce organizations, and community groups with experience in workforce training can apply. You should have capacity to recruit and train workers for construction and clean energy careers.
What activities are funded?
The program funds pre-apprenticeship training centers. Eligible activities include participant recruitment, prescreening, skills training, and stipend payments for trainees.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is October 30, 2026. Check the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website for any updates or rolling periods.
How much funding is available?
Individual awards range from $3 million to $6.5 million. The total funding pool is $16 million, so multiple organizations will be selected.
Does this program prioritize certain populations?
Yes. The program targets underserved communities and workers from historically marginalized backgrounds. Diversity in hiring and training is a core goal.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate experience running workforce training programs or pre-apprenticeship initiatives. Track record matters for large awards.
- Show strong relationships with local construction unions, contractors, and clean energy employers. Partnerships ensure job placement.
- Develop a detailed recruitment plan targeting underserved and underrepresented populations. The program prioritizes equity outcomes.
- Include letters of support from construction trades, apprenticeship programs, and employers. These commitments strengthen competitiveness.
- Build a realistic budget that covers trainer salaries, facilities, materials, and generous participant stipends. Don't underfund support services.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak or vague commitments to serve underrepresented populations. Applicants must show concrete recruitment and support strategies tailored to historical inequities. Lack of employer partnerships or job placement agreements. The program only works if graduates find jobs—demonstrate employer buy-in. Underestimating stipend amounts or support services. Offering inadequate financial support will fail to attract and retain participants from low-income backgrounds.
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