Illinois Energy Transition Navigators Program (CEJA)

Navigator Teams will partner with organizations that manage the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program and the Illinois Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program in their region to coordinate outreach and recruitment activities. Outreach and recruitment efforts will include providing information and consultation to eligible individuals on various training opportunities and supportive services available through CEJA and other statewide and local workforce development programs. Navigator Teams will support those applying for these programs and help them access Energy Transition Barrier Reduction services. They will provide guidance to these individuals on training and career opportunities in the emerging clean energy economy. The Navigator Teams will also direct individuals interested in starting or growing their business to the Clean Energy Contractor Incubator and the Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Programs in their region. These programs provide services including, but not limited to, business consulting, business planning, regulatory compliance, marketing, training, accessing capital, government bid and certification assistance. Navigator Teams will also help to connect people with local Small Business Development Centers and Procurement Technical Assistance Centers. In coordination with the organizations that administer the Clean Jobs Workforce Network and the Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Programs in their region, Navigator Teams will refer individuals to local workforce innovation boards and other relevant organizations, if those individuals are not interested in the CEJA workforce and contractor programs. Together with the teams that manage the Clean Jobs Workforce Network and Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Programs in their region, Navigator Teams will engage with local employers, industry leaders, and unions to identify the skill and hiring needs of the local clean energy industry.

Type of assistance: Grant Award: not published as a range Total funding: $6500000.00 Cost sharing or matching: No Applications: 2026-09-22 to 2027-12-31 Apply: https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/3174-4344.html Source: Illinois's list of open state funding notices (GATA, omb.illinois.gov).

Eligible applicant types: Nonprofit Organizations; Other

Eligible applicants are community-based providers defined as a not-for-profit organization that has a history of serving low-wage or low-skilled workers or individuals from economically disadvantaged communities.