Rock-Valley-College-Receives-CEJA-Grant-Funding.php

Rock Valley College Receives CEJA Grant Funding

• Students
• 01/07/2026

Rock Valley College recently received funding through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, also known as CEJA.

This legislation, signed into law by Governor Pritzker in 2021, sets a goal of 100% renewable energy in Illinois by 2050. One of its components includes investments in clean energy technology and workforce training programs that prepare Illinois residents for careers in the clean energy industry. All CEJA grants involving RVC are now in their second year of activity.

The first CEJA grant RVC is involved in is the Energy Transition Navigators Program. This was awarded to Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), with a subaward of $77,140 to the college for its first and second years. This funding will support outreach and recruitment, helping communities access workforce development training programs through CEJA.

The Energy Transition Navigators Program is designed to raise awareness among Rockford-area underrepresented communities of local careers and training programs that exist in the clean energy industry. It provides marketing and outreach to enroll eligible community members in clean energy training programs, which provide supports and skills that can lead to long-term job security. The program also benefits the community by connecting participants with employers, creating a network of skilled workers, and providing access to important resources. By increasing awareness of local opportunities for specialized training, the program strengthens both the workforce and the local community. Additional program partners include Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois, Awaken Foundation L3C, Zion West, and Region 1 Planning Council.

The second grant is the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, awarded to the Workforce Connection with RVC as a subgrantee. This program received $393,984 in the first year and $519,020 in the second year. The funding will be used at RVC to deliver workforce development training in CNC Machining and EV Repair. It covers stipends for students, barrier reduction services, and essential equipment for hands-on training. This program prepares students and community members with the skills and training needed for long-term careers in the clean energy industry.

“This program provides a boost for minority and underserved individuals in getting jobs that support their families, while encouraging Illinois’ development of a strong clean energy ecosystem,” said Dr. Gina Caronna, Executive Director of The Workforce Connection. “Our partnership with RVC has been invaluable through their expertise in technical training that fits in with the strengths of the region’s manufacturing base.”

RVC’s CNC and EV programs are just one training option through CEJA Clean Jobs Workforce Network. Other training tracks are construction and weatherization provided by Awaken Foundation and solar panel installation through Zion West Enterprise. Participants in any track can earn nationwide industry recognized credentials. The program also provides barrier support for situations that make it difficult for students to complete their training. This includes assistance with transportation, (gas or Uber cards), mental wellness support, and childcare. Additionally, the program provides career assessment and assistance with job placement so participants receive a complete set of resources to get them into sustainable careers.

The grant’s benefits extend to our students, faculty, and the community by preparing the region’s residents for sustainable careers, providing access to new training and resources, and helping build a competent workforce that local employers need. Additional program partners in this program include The Workforce Connection, Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois, Awaken Foundation L3C, Zion West Enterprise, Workplace, and Region 1 Planning Council.

“CEJA funding allows us to meet students and community members where they are and connect them to real, in-demand careers,” said Chase Budziak, Dean of Career and Technical Education at Rock Valley College. “Through these partnerships, we’re not only expanding access to clean energy training, but also removing barriers and building clear pathways to stable, family-sustaining jobs that strengthen our local workforce and economy.”

By providing outreach, training, and resources, RVC is helping people build skills, connect with employers, and prepare for jobs in a growing industry.

Together, the Energy Transition Navigators Program and the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program show how funding from CEJA can help individuals and communities succeed while supporting the state’s clean energy goals.

The CEJA Workforce Programs are funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).