The goal of the High Technology School to Work Program is to improve education and to prepare Illinois’ students to transition from school to high skilled, high paying jobs in the areas of science, mathematics, and advanced technology.  Increasing the number of trained students entering technology occupations will help meet the workforce demand of Illinois’ high technology businesses.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The High Technology School-to-Work Program (20 ILCS 701/) provides grants to consortia of high technology businesses and local schools.  Projects are designed by partnerships among employers, employer associations, and schools to provide youth with work experience in high technology occupations, combined with closely related classroom instruction.  These programs allow students to explore careers in fields such as information technology, biotechnology, engineering, agriculture, electronics, medical technology, and advanced manufacturing.  High Technology School to Work projects:

• Engage students in hands-on learning across a spectrum of technology disciplines.
• Provide an environment for students to work with peers, teams and professionals.
• Equip students with the personal, mechanical, and professional skills for success in high-technology occupations.

ELIGIBILITY
As a means of ensuring that the employer(s) plays a central role in the identification of skill requirements and curricula design, DCEO will only accept proposals that designate a private sector employer, or employer-based intermediary organization, to serve as the grantee. Employer-based intermediary organizations include: industry associations, chambers of commerce, and other professional associations. This will ensure that the employer side of the partnership has the final approval over all aspects of the project.  The proposal must also demonstrate that a strong and cooperative relationship exists between the grantee and the school(s) that represent the educational side of the partnership. This relationship should be described in a formal partnership agreement and signed by all parties.

FY 2009 APPLICATION
Applications will be accepted at any time during the Fiscal Year.  Applications received after 10/17/08 will be reviewed based on the funds available to DCEO for this program.

FY 2009 School to Work Application  

CONTACT INFORMATION
Questions and requests pertaining to this program should be directed to John Barr, Bureau of Technology and Industrial Competitiveness, Illinois Department of  Commerce and Economic Opportunity, 100 West Randolph Suite 3-400, Chicago, IL 60601, Telephone: (312) 814-2259 or via e-mail: john.w.barr@illinois.gov.