(20 ILCS 605/605-1096)

Sec. 605-1096. Industrial Biotechnology Workforce Development Grant Program.

(a) The Industrial Biotechnology Workforce Development Grant Program is hereby established as a program to be implemented and administered by the Department. The Program shall provide grants for the purpose of fostering a well-trained and well-skilled industrial biotechnology workforce.

(b) Subject to appropriation, grants under the Program may be awarded on an annual basis for one or more of the following:

(1) industrial biotechnology apprenticeships or apprenticeship programs;

(2) industrial biotechnology talent pipeline management programs that emphasize business-oriented strategies to increase workforce competitiveness, improve workforce diversity, and expand a regional talent pool around high-growth industries;

(3) industrial biotechnology industry-aligned credential (digital badging) expansion programs to increase the number of workers with in-demand skills needed to obtain a job or advance within the workplace and for merging competency-based education with responsive workforce training strategies; and

(4) high school and community college industrial biotechnology career pathway and pre-apprenticeship program development.

(c) To be eligible for grants provided under the Program, an entity must be either: (i) a State-sponsored, university-affiliated laboratory or research institution conducting collaboratives or for-hire research in the development of biorenewable chemicals, bio-based polymers, materials, novel feeds, or additional value-added biorenewables; or (ii) a State-accredited university or community college. An eligible entity must establish that it plans to use grant funds for a purpose specifically provided under subsection (b).

(d) On or before January 31 of the next calendar year to occur after the last day of any State fiscal year in which the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity receives State funding for the Program under this Section, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall submit an annual report to the General Assembly and the Governor on the use of grant funds under the Program. The report shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the disbursement of grant funds, categorized by eligible entity; (ii) the number of persons enrolled in or taking advantage of a program established or maintained using grant funds; (iii) the number of persons completing a program established or maintained using grant funds; and (iv) the number of person gaining employment in the industrial biotechnology industry following completion of a program established or maintained using grant funds.

(e) The Department shall adopt all rules necessary for the implementation and administration of the Program under this Section.

(Source: P.A. 102-991, eff. 1-1-23; 103-154, eff. 6-30-23.)