09/10/2026
Last week, DCEO started accepting applications for a new round of grants for pre-apprenticeship programs to help fund low-cost construction apprenticeship education opportunities for underserved students.
This is the sixth round of grants from the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, which launched in 2021 to ensure candidates from a wide-range of backgrounds had equal access to construction and building trades apprenticeship education. So far, the program has awarded $70 million serving over 7,000 residents.
Qualified entities can apply for grants between $150,000 to $550,000. Applications will be accepted until October 2nd at 5:00 p.m. To learn more and apply for the grant, visit the DCEO website: https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/2614-4323.html.