Clean Energy

ROUND 1  |  ROUND 2  |  ROUND 3  |  IGEN & EV NETWORK

Under the leadership of Governor J.B. Pritzker and with signature, Illinois is the first Midwest state to set an ambitiously aggressive timetable for reaching 100% renewable energy by 2050, including a goal to put 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030. In 2021, Governor Pritzker signed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (Illinois P.A. 102—0662) establishing Illinois policy to equitably transition to 100 percent clean energy by 2050. Electric vehicles (EV) are instrumental to decarbonization, whereas carbon pollution accounts for one-sixth of global emissions. Optimistically, electric vehicle sales have jumped significantly, up 14 percent in 2022, more than 10 times their share in 2017. In order to support the growth of electric vehicles and critical infrastructure for deployment, maintenance, and support, Illinois needs adequate training programs producing more EV priority program areas.

The Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois Act (REV Illinois Act) is a highly competitive incentives program to bolster Illinois manufacturing in the clean jobs economy, created to attract companies all along the supply chain in the electric vehicle and renewables sectors. In addition to utilizing Illinois’ skilled workforce to make the jobs of the future a reality in Illinois today, the program supports our state’s bold climate change agenda to achieve 100% clean energy by 2050, including putting one million EVs on the road by 2030. Reimagining Energy and Vehicles, or REV Illinois, offers competitive incentives to expand in or relocate to Illinois for companies that manufacture, in whole or in part, electric vehicles or aircraft, associated battery, charging infrastructure and recycling products, as well as renewables including solar, hydrogen, wind, energy storage, and green steel manufacturing. Companies engaged in the research and development of these products may also be eligible for participation within the program.

Depending on project size, benefits of the program can last from 20 to 30 years, and include provisions to retain income tax withholding, exemptions on utilities taxes, tax credits, training credits, grants, and equipment/capital cost exemptions. Local jurisdictions can also provide property tax abatement for the life of the agreement. REV Illinois is a key component of the Pritzker Administration’s work to increase investment in clean energy as well as advanced manufacturing. 

Through a $19 million state investment in fiscal years 2024 and 2025, the Illinois Community College Board funded thirty-two (32) community colleges across the state to promote the development and growth of training programs that prepare individuals for careers in electric vehicle (EV) technology and EV specific advanced manufacturing fields. The purpose of the Rev Up EV Community College Initiative is to promote the development and growth of training programs that prepare individuals for careers in EV technology and EV specific advanced manufacturing fields, with a priority focus on programs and training in areas that are most in demand by EV business and industry partners.

Grantees were divided into two cohorts to serve the grant, cohorts A and B.

Cohort A, a 12-month award, focuses on Capacity Building, was awarded to six (6) colleges in round 1, three (3) colleges in round 2, and two (2) colleges in round 3. 11 colleges have been awarded objective A in fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

Cohort B, is an 18-month award, focused on Program development, revision, and expansion of priority programs in the following areas aligned with the emerging electric vehicle (EV) sector.

Priority Programs

1. Electric Engineering Technology

1. Mechatronics

1. Electrical Technology

1. Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology

1. Programs aligned to industry certifications (e.g. TESLA, Independent Repair Certified).

1. Manufacturing Engineering Technology

1. High Voltage Battery Technology

1. Automotive Technology

1. Software Development

1. Programs that advance the development and maintenance of EV charging infrastructure.

Round 1 (FY24) – up to $10M

Rev Up EV round 1 Notice of Funding Opportunity

FY 2024 Rev Up EV round 1 

Round 2 (FY25) – up to $6M 

FY2025 Rev Up EV round 3

ICCB has not yet announced Rev Up EV round 3 award recipients. This will be updated on the website once award notifications go out to colleges.

The Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN) was formed in 2008 through an intergovernmental agreement with support from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Governor’s Office, and the Illinois Community College Board. Funds are utilized to support the consortium of all 39 Illinois community college districts (35 active members). A Presidents’ Steering Committee governs IGEN.

IGEN’s mission is to provide a platform for collaboration among all Illinois community colleges and their partners to drive the growth of the clean energy economy and green workforce. Our vision is to ensure that the Illinois community college system serves as a global leader in transforming the economy and education for a sustainable future. Our funds help support community colleges in eight focus areas: building sciences, energy, food, manufacturing, natural resources, transportation, waste, and water.

IGEN is assisting the Illinois Community College Board with facilitating faculty training, curriculum development and technical assistance to support the development and scaling of advanced Electric Vehicle (EV) training program at community colleges across the state of Illinois.

Task 1 – Employer-Educational Collaborative: IGEN is convening Industry Collaboratives to guide the development of training for light- and heavy-duty EV maintenance and EV charge station infrastructure.

Task 2 – Faculty Training: IGEN is coordinating a range of educational opportunities for faculty, ranging from basic to advanced EV maintenance training, including high voltage battery safety and EV infrastructure.

Task 3 – Curriculum Development: IGEN is developing model curriculum frameworks that will guide the integration of EV content into traditional automotive coursework with stackable certificates that also allow for flexibility for colleges to respond to local needs and interests.

Task 4 – Pathway Mapping: IGEN is assisting the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Community College Board to facilitate pathway connections between high school and community college EV technology programs.

Task 5 – Technical Assistance: IGEN is providing technical assistance to Rev Up EV Community College Grant awardees throughout the 1-year performance period for institutions. The Rev Up EVs program is running from January 2024 through June 2025. There is the possibility that this will continue into future fiscal years.