12/04/2025
Illinois e-News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
CONTACT
[email protected]
Governor Pritzker Announces $10 Million Investment in Job Training and Economic Development Program
Eligible entities can now apply for workforce training and wrap-around services funding
CHICAGO –Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced an additional $10 million in funding for the Job Training and Economic Development (JTED) Program for workforce training and wrap-around services that will bolster equitable workforce recovery for Illinoisans struggling to gain meaningful employment. As part of Illinois’ workforce recovery efforts, JTED grants focus on helping increase employment among workers and key sectors of the state’s economy. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.
“Illinois’ unmatched workforce represents the heart and soul of our economy, and my administration is focused on uplifting every Illinoisan who faces barriers to employment,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With this new round of investment, our Job Training and Economic Development Program is supporting key industries while giving Illinoisans the skills and opportunities they need to succeed.”
In the third round of the program, JTED will address the economic impacts experienced by employers and individuals who are underemployed, unemployed, or underrepresented, including youth who have one or more barriers to employment which are identified as risk factors. Priority populations include immigrants and refugees, justice-involved individuals, and rural residents.
“Our workforce is the foundation of Illinois’ economic strength. As our economy expands and new industries take root, we have a responsibility to make sure our people share in that success,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “These grants will not only provide training and essential services for people looking for employment—they will fuel local economies, support families, and help entire communities thrive.”
The State’s JTED model boosts access to education, training and support services needed for vulnerable residents to successfully re-enter the labor force. Additionally, JTED offers flexible funding through barrier reduction services for individuals that have emergency costs for basic needs.
“The State of Illinois is committed to helping the communities that need it most, and the JTED program is a prime example of success in this endeavor,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Underemployed, unemployed, and underrepresented Illinoisans will continue to benefit from the third round of JTED grant funding that will equip them with essential workforce training and wrap-around services.”
Eligible applicants include employers, private nonprofit organizations, federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act administrative entities, community action agencies, industry associations, and public or private educational institutions that have demonstrated expertise and effectiveness in administering workforce development programs.
Through a competitive NOFO, qualified entities can apply for grants from $250,000 to $750,000. Applications will be accepted until January 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. To view and apply for the grant, please visit the DCEO website. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to [email protected] for application assistance.
To help applicants prepare to apply for funding, DCEO will be holding multiple technical assistance webinars and office hours throughout December 2025 and January 2026 via Zoom:
December 4 at 10 a.m.: Application Technical Assistance Conference
December 4 at 2 p.m.: Budget Technical Assistance Session
December 5 at 10 a.m.: Application Technical Assistance Conference
December 5 at 2 p.m.: Budget Technical Assistance Session
December 9 at 9 a.m.: NOFO Technical Assistance Office Hours
January 6 at 9 a.m.: NOFO Technical Assistance Office Hours
January 13 at 9 a.m.: NOFO Technical Assistance Office Hours
January 16 at 9 a.m.: NOFO Technical Assistance Office Hours
Through the first two rounds of the JTED program, the State of Illinois has invested $35 million across 77 grants awarded to community-based organizations, supporting more than 4,700 unemployed, underemployed, and underrepresented Illinoisans. Additionally, JTED provided support to 5,600 high school youth to train for careers in advanced manufacturing.
