Mentorship Program

To advance the diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) objectives of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (Public Act 102-0662 or “CEJA”), and reflecting the Illinois Power Agency’s own commitment to DEI, CEJA directed the Agency to establish an Equity Accountability System, which established:  

• The Minimum Equity Standard (MES)
• The Equity Eligible Contractor (EEC) category

In addition, CEJA established several monitoring, reporting, and facilitation requirements to support the assessment of the Equity Accountability System. One such requirement is providing training, guidance, and support for Approved Vendors and Designees to meet the requirements of the MES and participate in the EEC category. 

In order to help Approved Vendors and Designees meet these requirements and successfully participate in the Illinois Shines program, a Mentorship Program is offered annually. The Mentorship Program provides participants, or mentees, with training and presentations covering Program processes and requirements. It also facilitates opportunities to network with other market stakeholders. 

Approved Vendors and Designees that are certified as Equity Eligible Contractors and/or are minority-owned, woman-owned, veteran-owned, disability-owned, or are considered small businesses are encouraged to apply.