CHICAGO – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrated the recent announcement of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s additional $13 million investment in the Job Training and Economic Development Program for workforce training and wrap-around services.

“After the great success of the first round of the JTED program, I’m thrilled to encourage eligible entities to apply to serve as community partners to help uplift working families,” said Senate Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora). “The community partnerships created through JTED are essential to boosting an equitable workforce recovery in every corner of Illinois.”

In the second round of the program, JTED will address the economic impacts experienced by employers and individuals who are underemployed, unemployed, or underrepresented, including youth who have one or more barriers to employment which are identified as risk factors. Priority populations include immigrants and refugees, justice-involved individuals, and rural residents.

“Illinois is known for its world-class workforce, and programs such as the Job Training and Economic Development Program are critical to advancing opportunities for people across the state to earn a living and support their families,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “JTED promotes equity by providing education, training and support services to priority populations like those impacted by the criminal justice system.”

Through the first round of the JTED program, Illinois invested $20 million in 44 community-based organizations that are currently serving nearly 1,900 Illinoisans, with a special training focus on industries hardest-hit by the pandemic.

Eligible entities can apply for grants between $250,000 to $750,000. Applications will be accepted until Jan. 10 at 5 p.m. To view learn more and apply for the grant, please visit the DCEO website.

To help applicants prepare to apply for funding, DCEO will be holding a webinar from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Dec. 13. Interested parties are also encouraged to reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for application assistance.