Innovative Bridge and Transition Program Grant

The Illinois Community College Board is inviting eligible applicants to apply for the Innovative Bridge and Transition Program Grant. ICCB expects to provide approximately $9.3 million in grant funding to support innovative bridge and transition programs and initiatives that help students move seamlessly between education systems and into employment. The program emphasizes supporting and scaling effective and equitable education and career programming for targeted populations. Its stated purposes are to create or support programs that improve transitions to and through postsecondary education, including education up to the baccalaureate level, and into employment; support these transitions for individuals with disabilities; and scale programs that promote equity and diversity among the people served. The program is intended to serve targeted populations age 16 or older. These populations include adults who are not enrolled in high school and who have limited academic or basic skills or are underemployed or unemployed, with services designed to help them enter and succeed in credit-bearing postsecondary education and training leading to employment in high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand occupations. The program may also serve out-of-school youth ages 16 through 24. Youth who are in school and age 16 or older may be served when the services prepare them to enter postsecondary education and training following high school. Applicants must select one of four objectives as the focus of their grant: Adult Education Bridge and ICAPS Programming; Seamless Transitions for College and Career Pathways; Wrap-around Support Services; or Seamless Transitions for Students with Disabilities. In addition, all Innovative Bridge and Transition grants must address the identified priority activities. These activities are engaging in partnerships, developing and implementing career activities, implementing and integrating equity-driven, evidence-based practices, and participating in professional development opportunities. The source does not identify a required cost share or matching contribution. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, community-based organizations, local education agencies, public or private nonprofit agencies, comprehensive rehabilitation facilities associated with a university or institution of higher education, and other applicants that demonstrate effectiveness in serving the eligible target populations. Successful applicants must themselves provide the direct services supported by the grant. Applicants may subcontract for supportive services when those services enhance program services or reduce barriers for eligible participants, but subcontracting is subject to ICCB approval. Applications are due October 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. and must be submitted through the Euna/AmpliFund platform. Applications submitted outside the Euna system will not be accepted. All necessary application materials, including forms, templates, charts, and other required documents, are downloadable from within the Euna application process. A bidders' conference is scheduled for September 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.; attendance is not mandatory, and a recording will be available. Euna-specific training on accessing Euna and navigating the application process will be held immediately following the bidders' conference on September 2, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. Because this is a competitive grant process, questions must be submitted electronically to ICCB.IBT@illinois.gov, and phone calls will not be accepted. The subject line should contain the organization's name followed by Innovative Bridge and Transition Program. The first round of questions is due August 31, with the first FAQ posting scheduled for September 4. The second round of questions is due September 11, with the final FAQ posting scheduled for September 15. Emma Godwin, Assistant Director for Workforce Education, is identified as the lead contact and may be reached at emma.godwin@illinois.gov. The grant period runs from January 1, 2027, through March 31, 2028. No award notification date or recurring future application cycle is stated in the provided source.

Select one of the four stated grant objectives as the grant focus; address all required priority activities, including partnerships, career activities, equity-driven evidence-based practices, and professional development; demonstrate effectiveness in serving eligible target populations; ensure the successful applicant provides direct services; submit through Euna because applications outside the system will not be accepted