2025 Apprenticeship Expansion Competitive Grant Program NOFO

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Overview
​The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has issued the 2025 Apprenticeship Expansion Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support workforce programs that expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs leading to RAPs. This initiative will fund high-impact Intermediaries responsible for creating and managing RAPs while supporting apprentices throughout their journey.​​
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Program Focus
​The Illinois Apprenticeship Expansion Program aims to increase Registered Apprenticeship opportunities for career seekers while supporting employers by funding Intermediaries. These Intermediaries are key players in developing and administering programs, offering direct services to participants enrolled in Registered Apprenticeship Programs or Pre-Apprenticeship Programs. DCEO will prioritize programs in non-traditional, in-demand RAPs and Pre-Apprenticeships leading to RAPs, including healthcare, information technology, finance and business, architecture and engineering, creative industries, and public sector and government.​
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Eligibility​
Eligible Applicants include community-based organizations, municipalities, education institutions (e.g., school districts, community colleges), industry associations, state agencies, workforce boards, and nonprofits that will serve as high-impact Intermediaries with the capacity to meet program requirements.​

Eligible Participants to Serve:
​Funds can serve adults, youth, and individuals with disabilities. All must be Illinois residents aged 16 or above and authorized to work in the United States. Please note that multiple funding streams, including the State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula Grant (SAEF) and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Talent Pipeline Management Program (TPM), may fund applications submitted under this NOFO. Grantees must comply with the funding requirements established by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
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Funding Information
​​​This NOFO is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Statewide Activities Funds and the Apprenticeship Expansion Program (if Illinois’ competitive application is approved).
  • Total Funding Available: $5-10 million
  • Grant Range: $200,000-$1,000,000
  • Number of Grants: 10-35 anticipated
  • Grant Commitment Date: July 1, 2025
  • Grant Term: 24 months, with a possible 12-month renewal​
DCEO and Apprenticeship Illinois Logos
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Questions
For inquiries, contact Chase Martin​​ or attend an information session. Submit question​s to the FAQ page​, which will be posted and answered. FAQs
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Sumission Details
​Applicants must submit all required documentation outlined in the NOFO by 11:59pm on March 21, 2025. The application must include enough information for DCEO to understand the project scope. For detailed information about the funding opportunity and application instructions, refer to the NOFO Supplement​ and the required documents linked under NOFO Materials.​
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Award Timeline
​The grant term/performance period is determined based on the specific project. Most grants are anticipated to be awarded for 24 months, with the possibility of an additional 12-month renewal depending on grant negotiations, funding availability, and program regulations.
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NOFO​ Materials​
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Resources
​Success Stories in Illinois workNet​
Written testimonials highlight program successes and showcase the positive impact of initiatives by demonstrating how programs enhance the quality of life for individuals, families, organizations, businesses, local governments, and communities in Illinois. Explore stories and share yours​.​
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Information Sessions
​​DCEO will coordinate at least three information sessions for this NOFO. Attendance is recommended but not required. The in-person sessions will include options to attend a Grants 101 Session and/or NOFO Information Session.​
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​Format​
 ​Date/Time
 ​Location
 ​Registration/Materials
​Webinar
 ​Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 2:00pm​​
 ​Zoom
  • Recording - Forthcoming
  • Presentation Materials -​ Forthcoming​​
​In-Person
 ​Wednesday, February 24, 2025 at 9:00am
 ​Michael A. Bilandic Building
Auditorium
160 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60601
​​In-Person
 ​Friday, February 28, 2025 at 9:00am
 ​Memorial Learning Center
MLC Nelson Auditorium
228 West Miller Street, Springfield, IL 62702
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