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.
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.
APPLICATION NOW AVAILABLE - 2008 School to Work Application
The High Technology School-To-Work Grant Program is administered through a Request for Application (RFA) process. The RFA is posted to this web site and a notification of the grant opportunity is sent to individuals on the Department's notification list at the time of posting. To add your name to the notification list send your name and address to John Barr.
INFORMATION SESSION
One information sessions will be held to discuss the RFA. Attendance is not required but is recommended. The information session will be held in Chicago on October 24, 2007. Photo identification is required to enter the Bilandic Building.
Michael A. Bilandic Building
5th Floor, Conference Area C-500
160 North LaSalle
Chicago, IL 60601
10:00AM – 12:00PM
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Printed copies of the application are available upon request. 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.