Illinois Returning Residents Clean Jobs Program (CEJA)
CEJA Returning Residents Program
CSFA Number: 420-30-3361
STATE AGENCY INFORMATION
Agency Name
Department Of Commerce And Economic Opportunity (420)
Agency Identification
45-3
Agency Contact
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Short Description
The Returning Residents Program will deliver clean jobs training in Illinois Department of Corrections facilities to individuals within 36 months of their release to prepare them to work in clean energy and related sector jobs upon release. The Program will provide classroom instruction and hands-on learning opportunities, utilizing a standard Clean Jobs Curriculum Framework, connect Program graduates with potential employers in the clean energy industry, and address participant needs.
Federal Authorization
N/A
Illinois Statue Authorization
20ILCS730/5-50 and Public Act 102-662
Illinois Administrative Rules Authorization
N/A
Objective
The main objective of the Returning Residents Clean Jobs Training Program is to increase access to and opportunities for education, training, and support services to help returning residents succeed in the labor market generally and the clean energy sector specifically. Utilizing the Clean Jobs Curriculum Framework, the program will train eligible individuals in the custody of the IDOC who are scheduled to be released within 36 months. Upon completion, participants will be prepared for entry-level clean energy jobs.
UGA Program Terms
The terms and conditions will be detailed in the NOFO and grant agreements.
Eligible Applicants
Government Organizations; Education Organizations; Nonprofit Organizations; Other;
Applicant Eligibility
Community-based organizations, defined as organizations that: •Provide employment, skill development, or related services to members of the community. •Include community colleges, nonprofits, and local governments. •Have at least one main operating office near the correctional facility where the training program will be provided. •Demonstrate relationships with residents (especially returning residents) and other organizations serving communities and returning residents, such as Local Workforce Innovation Act Centers.
Beneficiary Eligibility
IDOC shall have sole discretion to determine whether a committed person is eligible to participate in the program and whether a committed person’s participation in the Program poses a safety and security risk for the facility or any person. IDOC will work with the Applicant Team to determine eligibility for program participation, including verifying that individuals meet the following criteria: •Are age 17 or older; •Are within 36 months of release; •Meet program and testing requirements; •Do not pose safety and security risk, and undergo drug testing (administered by IDOC); and •Score at least a 6.0 on the Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE) test or another approved Illinois Community College Board assessment for determining basic skills deficiency.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants
Subject / Service Area
Economic Development
Credentials / Documentation
The required credential of the applicants will be specified in the Notice of Funding Opportunity
Preapplication Coordination
Prior coordination and approval is not required
Application Procedures
The application procedures and instructions are outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity
Criteria Selecting Proposals
The criteria for selecting awards under this program will be detailed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity and typically include: capacity, need, project quality and budget.
Award Procedures
The award procedures will be detailed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity
Deadlines
Rolling Deadline - First Merit Review Cycle will review application submitted by 4-15-24
Range of Approval or Disapproval Time
40 Business Days
Appeals
The Merit Based Review process is subject to appeal. However, competitive grant appeals are limited to the evaluation process. Evaluation scores may not be protested. Only the evaluation process is subject to appeal. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the Department within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published. The written appeal shall include the name and address of the appealing party, the identification of the grant and a statement of reasons for the appeal. To file an appeal, applicants must submit the appeal in writing and in accordance with the Merit-Based Application Review Appeals Process listed on the Grant Opportunities page of the DCEO website: https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/AboutDCEO/GrantOpportunities/Pages/MeritAppReview.aspx.
Renewals
Grants are subject to 2 - 12 month renewals
Uses and Restrictions
The uses and restrictions of funds will be detailed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity
Reports
PPR, PFR, Success Stories
Account Identification
TBD
Obligations
CY2024 $6 million
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$1 to $2 Million Grant Range
Program Accomplishments
a. The number of returning residents who enroll in the Program; b. The number of returning residents who complete the Program; c. The total number of individuals discharged; d. The demographics of each entering and graduating class; e. The percentage of graduates employed at 6 and 12 months after release; f. The recidivism rate of graduates at 3 and 5 years after release; g. Program graduates’ interview and hiring status; h. Graduates’ employment status, such as hire date, pay rates, whether full-time, part-time, or seasonal, and separation date; and i.Continuing education and certifications gained by Program graduates
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
https://dceo.illinois.gov/ceja.html
Regional or Local Assistance Location
See NOFO
Headquarters Office
500 East Monroe Springfield, IL 62701 and 555 W Monroe St, 12th Floor Chicago, IL 60661
Program Website
https://dceo.illinois.gov/ceja.html
FUNDING INFORMATION
Funding By Fiscal Year
FY 2024 : $6,000,000
FY 2025 : $6,000,000
Federal Funding
None
Notice of Funding Opportunities
| Agency ID | Award Range | Application Range |
| Details | FY24-1 | $1000000 - $2000000 | General announcement open for a period of time with no specific due dates for applications. |
ACTIVE AWARDS