CEJA Updates & Program Status

The following updates and announcements are described below:

• Announcements
• Programs Currently Accepting Applications
• Programs Awarded
• Applications Under Review
• Press Releases
• Past Public Engagement Opportunities

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is preparing to release Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) for three Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) Workforce Training Programs: the Energy Transition Navigators Program, the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, and the Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program.  DCEO will host virtual technical assistance sessions to provide information about the NOFOs, application requirements, required attachments, and tips for writing a strong proposal.

• September 29, 10:00 p.m.-12:00 p.m. CST – CEJA Energy Transition Navigators and Clean Jobs Workforce Network Bidders’ Conference – Webinar Registration - Zoom
• September 30, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. CST – CEJA Climate Works Bidders’ Conference – Webinar Registration - Zoom
• October 6 – Tips for Responding to CEJA Workforce NOFOs – Webinar Registration - Zoom  Registrants for this session should plan to attend at least one of the Bidders’ Conferences

DCEO recently hosted Program Design and NOFO Preview information sessions. Those who were unable to attend are encouraged to review the recording of that content prior to the Bidders’ Conferences: CEJA Program Design and NOFO Preview Info Session – 8-26-2026 – Webex

Please stay tuned for the release of the CEJA Workforce NOFOs. Questions may be submitted to CEO.CEJA@Illinois.gov.

Revised CEJA Clean Jobs Curriculum Framework

DCEO is pleased to announce the release of the updated 2027–2029 Clean Jobs Curriculum Framework for the CEJA Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program.

The revised Framework establishes statewide guidance for clean energy workforce training, including CEJA Core Competencies, Career Clusters, Illustrative Career Pathways, and implementation considerations for Workforce Hubs and training providers.

View the 2027–2029 Clean Jobs Curriculum Framework

Please note: CEJA workforce training funding opportunities are currently closed. Check back in fall 2026. If you have any questions, contact CEO.CEJA@illinois.gov.

Grantees have been selected for the following programs:

• Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program (CEJA Workforce Hubs)
• Multi-cultural Job Training Program
• Craft Apprenticeship Program
• Solar Training Pipeline Program
• Coal to Solar and Energy Storage Grant Program
• Energy Transition Community Grant Program
• Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program
• Energy Transition Navigators Program
• Returning Residents Clean Jobs Training Program
• Equitable Energy Future Grant Program
• Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program
• Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program
• Clean Energy Primes Accelerator Program

Review this spreadsheet for grantee awards, amounts, locations, and contact information.

• Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program
• Energy Transition Community Grant Program
• Equitable Energy Future Grant Program
• Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program

• Governor Pritzker Announces $25.5 million in grant funding for CEJA Equitable Energy Future Grant Program (August 30, 2024)
• Gov. Pritzker Announces CEJA Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program Grantees (July 9, 2024)
• Governor Pritzker Launches $8.5 Million CEJA Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program (March 6, 2024)
• Gov. Pritzker Announces $6 Million for CEJA Returning Residents Program (February 27, 2024)
• Gov. Pritzker Announces $21 Million for CEJA Contractor Incubator Hubs (October 12, 2023)
• Gov. Pritzker Announces $38 Million for CEJA Workforce Hubs (July 21, 2023)
• Gov. Pritzker Announces $6 Million in Funding for Energy Transition Navigators Program (June 15, 2023)
• Gov. Pritzker Announces $16 Million for Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program, Barrier Reduction Programs (April 21, 2023)
• More than 50 Recipients Selected to Receive Energy Transition Community Grants (March 7, 2023)
• Pritzker Administration Launches $40 Million in Funding for the Energy Transition Community Grant Program as Part of CEJA (December 16, 2022)
• DCEO Launches Public Input Process for Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) Curriculum (October 17, 2022)
• Pritzker Administration Announces Recipients of Coal-to-Solar Program as Part of Landmark Climate Initiative (June 1, 2022)

• Learn more about CEJA and the programs DCEO is administering by clicking on the links to the left.
• Sign up for our mailing list to receive updates about CEJA program implementation.
• Contact us:  CEO.CEJA@illinois.gov.

• CEJA Cycle 2 NOFO and Program Design Preview Session – August 26, 2026.