FY26 Renewal: Workforce Development

This program provides youth-centered, treatment-focused job preparatory and employment services for Cook County youth under the care of DCFS. The services include assessments, curriculum, mentoring, case management, employment counseling, and job placement. The program aims to promote greater development of work readiness skills and success in employment that will last well beyond the time a youth has emancipated from the care of the state. Some key aspects of the program are: • In-person career readiness training • Virtual training opportunities • Distance learning for resume writing, financial literacy, workplace etiquette, mock interviews, and job placements • Workforce continuum to promote work readiness skills and employment success • Restrictions on indirect costs, with a limit of 20% for administrative costs and 25% for fringe benefits.