Illinois Governor Pritzker Announces $11.4 Million for Workforce Training and Career Development
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) have announced an allocation of $11.4 million to 23 organizations across Illinois. This funding is part of the Job Training and Economic Development Program (JTED) and aims to expand workforce training, career pathways, and support services. The initiative specifically targets Illinoisans facing barriers to employment, including the underemployed, unemployed, underrepresented individuals, and youth aged 16-24 with identified risk factors. Priority populations for this round of funding include immigrants and refugees, justice-involved individuals, and rural residents. The programs will combine academic, employability, and technical skills with employer engagement, career preparation, and supportive services to help participants gain in-demand skills and connect to employment or continued education. This is the third round of the JTED program, bringing the total investment to over $46 million across 100 grants.