Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program
Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program supports Workforce Hubs that recruit jobseekers and provide training, certification preparation, and placement support to help them build clean energy careers.
Funder: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Due Dates: September 22, 2026 (Applications open) | September 29, 2026, 10:00 a.m. (Optional technical assistance) | October 6, 2026 (NOFO tips session) | October 30, 2026, 5:00 p.m. (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $50.9 million estimated total funding; 20 anticipated awards; no match required
Summary: Supports Illinois Workforce Hubs that recruit jobseekers, provide clean energy workforce training, and support entry into clean energy careers.
Key Information: Lead applicants must be community-based organizations and pre-qualified for their applications to be considered.
Description
The Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, also known as the CEJA Workforce Network Program, is a state-funded grant program administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). It will identify a network of at least 14 Illinois delivery sites, called Workforce Hubs, to recruit jobseekers and provide clean energy and related workforce training throughout the state.
Workforce Hubs engage employers, community-based organizations, educational institutions, and community- and labor-based training providers to help eligible individuals enter and build clean energy careers. The program combines training, certification preparation, skill development, barrier reduction services, and support for job placement. CEJA workforce programs prioritize individuals from communities that have historically faced economic and environmental barriers. The revised 2027–2029 Clean Jobs Curriculum Framework provides statewide guidance on core competencies, career clusters, career pathways, and implementation for hubs and training providers.
