DCEO, in collaboration with IDHS, is thrilled to announce a substantial $5 million in funding for the Home Illinois project. This significant investment will play a crucial role in connecting individuals experiencing Homelessness to employment and establishing systemic coordination of the homeless response system and workforce system. DCEO is partnering with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Illinois Interagency Task Force on Homelessness to Prevent and End Homelessness. This collaboration supports the strategies outlined in Illinois' Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. The NOFO, a vital component of this partnership, will specifically support Strategy #3 (Secure Financial Stability) of the Plan.
DCEO is pleased to announce $2 million in funding to establish a teacher apprenticeship pilot program for current paraprofessional educators facing barriers to employment. This pilot program will provide career pathway opportunities and supportive services for successful placement into the teacher workforce. The Job Training and Economic Development (JTED) program provides funding to build the capacity of the state's workforce system and prioritize creating equitable access for historically underrepresented populations in Illinois.