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Illinois ACC Modernization & Expansion Grant Program?
CSFA Number: 420-00-4105
Agency Name
Department Of Commerce And Economic Opportunity (420)
Agency Identification
31-1
Agency Contact
Travis Grupe
000-000-0000
Travis.Grupe@Illinois.gov
Short Description
The Illinois Area Career Centers Capital Grant Program is a statewide investment designed to update, expand, and strengthen Area Career Centers (ACCs). These centers provide high school students with access to high-quality career and technical education (CTE) aligned with regional workforce needs. Many ACCs face outdated facilities, equipment gaps, and limited capacity — challenges the program aims to address through targeted capital funding. By upgrading infrastructure, supporting new ACC development, and enhancing partnerships with employers and higher education institutions, the initiative seeks to ensure students are prepared for modern, in-demand career pathways across Illinois’ diverse regions.
Federal Authorization
N/A
Illinois Statue Authorization
30 ILCS 425/1, et seq
Illinois Administrative Rules Authorization
N/A
Objective
The primary objective of the program is to modernize Illinois’ career and technical education infrastructure by: Expanding and upgrading existing ACC facilities and equipment Supporting the creation of new centers in underserved regions Increasing student access to high-demand, industry-aligned programs Strengthening workforce pipelines through certifications, dual-credit opportunities, and employer partnerships Ensuring geographic equity and alignment with Illinois’ priority economic sectors and workforce needs
Prime Recipient
Yes
UGA Program Terms
N/A
Eligible Applicants
Education Organizations;
Applicant Eligibility
N/A
Beneficiary Eligibility
N/A
Types of Assistance
Project Grants
Subject / Service Area
Economic Development
Credentials / Documentation
N/A
Preapplication Coordination
N/A
Application Procedures
N/A
Criteria Selecting Proposals
N/A
Award Procedures
Merit review with reimbursement based on quarterly reporting
Deadlines
TBD
Range of Approval or Disapproval Time
90 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 from the date of the denial letter. 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
N/A
Formula Matching Requirements
20%
Uses and Restrictions
Funding is available for bondable expenditures as described in the Build Illinois Bond Act (30 ILCS 425/1, et seq.) and as permitted by the DCEO Bondability Guidelines. The Department will not permit expenditures for indirect costs, overhead or administrative expenses. Successful applicants are eligible to receive reimbursement for allowable grant-related expenses only after the grant has been awarded and agreement been executed. Pre-award costs incurred will not be eligible for reimbursement.
Reports
quarterly reporting using PPR and PFR
Audits
N/A
Records
N/A
Account Identification
TBD
Obligations
TBD
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
TBD
Program Accomplishments
N/A
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
N/A
Regional or Local Assistance Location
N/A
Headquarters Office
555 W Monroe St, 12th Floor Chicago, IL 60661, 1011 S 2nd St Springfield, IL 62704, 1020 S Spring St Springfield, IL 62704
Program Website
N/A
Example Projects
N/A
Published Date
GATA Exceptions
None
Funding By Fiscal Year
FY 2026 : $5,000,000
Federal Funding
None
Notice of Funding Opportunities
None
None