FEJA Solar Pipeline Training Program NOFO

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Background
​The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has announced the 2025 Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) Solar Pipeline Training Program to support skill development, supportive services, and solar training services for qualified, traditionally underserved participants seeking employment in the clean energy industry, specifically in solar occupations. This initiative aligns with the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and the state's overall commitment to stimulate job growth in the clean energy economy with investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean energy workforce development.

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Program Design
​This program will provide funding to develop a solar installer training pipeline for authorized projects and to establish a pool of trained installers who will be able to install solar projects authorized by the Illinois Power Agency Act. Solar training implemented as part of this program must ensure that trainees are recruited from those communities. Participants must also receive training locally, with hands-on and on-the-job experience in their communities that prepares them for applicable certifications or apprenticeship programs and eventual hiring.

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Funding Information
​The anticipated funding range for grants awarded under this NOFO is from $350,000 to $1,000,000. 
  • Total Funding: $3 million
  • Grant Commitment Date: September 1, 2025 
  • Period of Performance: September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2027
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Submission Details
​Applications for this opportunity must be submitted by 11:59PM CST on July 1, 2025.

For detailed information about the funding opportunity and instruction on how to submit an application, see the full NOFO, as well as required documents, linked under NOFO Materials.
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Information Session
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​Date
 Time​
 Program​ Topic​ Registration​
​May 15, 2025
 1:00pm - 2:30pm​ FEJA Multi-Cultural Jobs Program and Solar Pipeline Training Program​ Joint Bidder's Conference​ ​Registration