Illinois Cooperative Work Study Program
ICWS
CSFA Number: 601-00-0748
STATE AGENCY INFORMATION
Agency Name
Board Of Higher Education (601)
Agency Contact
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Short Description
The ICWS program provides higher education institutions the ability to assist students through paid internships thus reducing their reliance on student loans while providing a link between academic programs and employment; by prioritizing work study opportunities for students seeking degrees in high-demand fields; by increasing the pool of funds for job training, which can result in businesses expansions in Illinois and full-time employment for students after graduation.
Federal Authorization
N/A
Illinois Statue Authorization
PA 098-0678 Section 30
Illinois Administrative Rules Authorization
PA 098-0678 Section 30
Objective
To:
1. Expand opportunities for students to pursue internships, clinical placement, cooperative programs with business and industry, and other work opportunities linked to a student’s academic program;
2. Strengthen cooperation between higher education, business, industry, and government;
3. Encourage social and community service;
4. Maximize the use of matching contributions from business and industry, and governmental and social agencies;
5. Create new opportunities for public/private partnerships;
6. Integrate other components of student financial aid to reduce reliance on student loans; and
7. Encourage students to seek permanent employment in Illinois.
Eligible Applicants
Education Organizations;
Applicant Eligibility
N/A
Beneficiary Eligibility
Student internships in field(s) of study.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants
Subject / Service Area
Education
Credentials / Documentation
Evaluation plan for proposal; narrative of proposed activities; budget; employer participants; number of students to be served; matching or in-kind contributions from institution/employers.
Preapplication Coordination
Only one proposal per institution. All applications are submitted electronically. Application materials are posted on the IBHE website, as well as sent to institutional grant contacts. Grants are competitive and will be scored by committee using a 100 point basis using the criteria outlined in the request for proposal. Grant funds will be awarding after final IBHE approval.
Application Procedures
Posted to IBHE website and sent to institutional grant contacts. Submitted to IBHE staff electronically by deadline date.
Criteria Selecting Proposals
Review committee scores each application.
Award Procedures
Institutions selected based on scoring. Reimbursement based on quarterly reporting.
Deadlines
Applications due June 14, 2024 by noon.
Range of Approval or Disapproval Time
One-two weeks
Uses and Restrictions
Per an Administrative Rules change in June 2020, a grant specific audit is no longer required. All funds must be used for student wages and salaries.
Reports
Reporting requirements include:
- Quarterly reports submitted to IBHE staff
Records
Quarterly reports submitted to IBHE staff and housed in grants database.
Account Identification
601-00-0748
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$5,000-$50,000
Program Accomplishments
Placement of students with employers aligned with their fields of study to promote employment in the state of Illinois. Promotes community partnerships among local colleges and universities, businesses, and students. Also meant to reduce reliance on student loans.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Statute: http://www.ibhe.org/Grants/RuleStatues/ICWS_Statues.pdf
Administrative Rules: http://www.ibhe.org/Grants/RuleStatues/ICWS_Rules.pdf
Regional or Local Assistance Location
N/A
Program Website
https://www.ibhe.org/icws.html
FUNDING INFORMATION
Funding By Fiscal Year
FY 2018 : $980,500
FY 2019 : $980,500
FY 2020 : $980,500
FY 2021 : $980,500
FY 2022 : $980,500
FY 2023 : $980,500
FY 2024 : $980,500
FY 2025 : $980,500
Federal Funding
None
Notice of Funding Opportunities
| Agency ID | Award Range | Application Range |
TOP 5 ACTIVE AWARDS
| Agency ID | Grantee Name | Start Date | End Date | Amount |
| Governors State University | 07/31/2024 | 08/31/2025 | 45,080 |
| Dominican University | 08/09/2024 | 08/31/2025 | 45,080 |
| Oakton Community College | 08/07/2024 | 08/31/2025 | 45,080 |
| Aurora University | 08/09/2024 | 08/31/2025 | 45,080 |
| Trinity Christian College Association | 08/07/2024 | 08/31/2025 | 44,500 |