Rock Island County is among 33 organizations from Illinois’ Job Training and Economic Development Program (JTED) that will receive new workforce training funds from the Department of Commerce and Economic (DCEO).
Illinois State Sen. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, announced that Rock Island County will receive $562,325 through JTED in a Wednesday, Aug. 14, news release.
In all, $15 million in funding is being awarded statewide to a variety of community workforce partners. Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced the grants in an earlier news release.
“Continuing to support those who are seeking employment is important,” Mr. Halpin said. “The Job Training and Economic Development program will provide essential resources to our residents who have been struggling with employment opportunities.”
Focus is hardest hit
The JTED grants are in a second round. They focus on helping increase employment among workers and industries hardest hit by COVID-19. They include manufacturing, agriculture, information technology, transportation distribution and logistics, architecture and construction, health care and hospitality and tourism.
Organizations will use the grants to provide workforce training and services to foster equitable workforce recovery.
The state’s release said that the JTED program aims to address economic impacts experienced by employers and individuals. Among them are the underemployed, unemployed or underrepresented. It includes these target populations: justice-impacted individuals and rural residents.
“Our communities will experience the positive effects of the trainings, education and support this funding provides,” Mr. Halpin added. “This program is life-changing for many Illinoisans, and I am excited to see how this funding will serve residents of Rock Island County.”
Rock Island County was the only recipient in the Quad Cities region to receive the JTED funding. Grants went to nonprofits, associations, community colleges, foundations, corporations and employment groups. To view a full list of awardees, click here.
“As we continue to bounce back from the pandemic, my administration remains committed to an equitable workforce recovery that uplifts every worker and industry,” the governor said.
The additional $15 million investment, Mr. Pritzker said will provide “even more Illinoisans with the skills and support they need to succeed.”
‘Leaving no one behind’
He added: “From revitalizing our health care and tourism industries to strengthening manufacturing and agriculture, we’re building a workforce that’s ready to power Illinois’ continued growth – leaving no one behind as we move forward.”
The JTED grants ranged from the $193,037 – awarded to Bella Ease, a nonprofit in Quincy focused on helping families create lasting change – to $571,202 – awarded to Comprehensive Community Solutions, Inc., based in Rockford. That organization drives the fundamental transformation of neighborhoods, communities and residents through workforce development.
Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said JTED is equipping Illinois’ most vulnerable residents with essential skills to succeed in today’s workforce. “By dissolving barriers and creating pathways to meaningful employment, we’re not just aiding in recovery; we’re building a resilient, skilled workforce that leaves no one behind,” she said in the release.
DCEO Director Kristin Richards called JTED’s success “a testament to the importance of intentional investments in Illinois’ world-class workforce.”
In the first round of JTED funding, the Illinois invested $20 million in 44 community-based organizations. They collectively serve 2,466 unemployed, underemployed or under-represented Illinoisans.
“When we give folks the tools they need to succeed, it not only creates a path of success for them and their families, it helps improve our state economy,” Mr. Halpin said.
