# Illinois Funds Manufacturing Training Academies

On September 14, 2026, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced over **$20 million** in capital grants to establish five new Manufacturing Training Academies at community colleges across downstate Illinois. These academies will focus on advanced manufacturing skills including automation, robotics, and biomanufacturing to strengthen the state's workforce pipeline and meet local employers' evolving needs. This initiative represents a significant state investment in workforce development aimed at enhancing manufacturing capabilities and supporting economic growth in Illinois.

- The grants target community colleges in East Peoria, Centralia, Mattoon, Godfrey, and other downstate locations, emphasizing regional workforce enhancement.
- Procurement professionals should note the focus on advanced manufacturing training infrastructure, which may create opportunities for vendors supplying educational technology, training equipment, and related services.
- This funding signals increased state-level prioritization of manufacturing workforce development, relevant for contractors specializing in workforce training, educational program development, and manufacturing technologies.
- Organizations involved in community college partnerships or workforce development programs in Illinois may benefit from aligning with this initiative to support local employer needs and secure future contracts.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education, Professional Services
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 15, 2026

### Government Entities
- Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
- Illinois Community College Board (ICCB)
- Illinois Manufacturers’ Association
- Illinois House of Representatives
- Illinois Senate

### Key Quotes
> These five new training academies will give more Illinoisans the opportunity to learn in-demand skills, earn a good living, and build a career close to home.
> — JB Pritzker, Governor

> Community colleges are uniquely positioned to connect students with the skills employers need and the careers that can change lives.
> — Brian Durham, Executive Director of the Illinois Community College Board

### Sources
- [Gov. Pritzker Announces More Than $20 Million to Train Illinois’ Next Generation of Manufacturers](https://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.32925.html) - IL