The Illinois Displaced Energy Worker Dependent Transition Scholarship Program (DEWD-TSP) was created under the Energy Transition Act to support the dependents of energy workers who lost jobs due to the closure or reduced operation of fossil fuel facilities. The scholarship covers full tuition and mandatory fees for one year at any Illinois public university or community college.
Despite strong potential to support education, economic stability, and community resilience, the program has seen very limited use since its launch. This policy brief examines how the scholarship works, why participation has been low, and what changes could strengthen its impact.
What This Analysis Covers
Drawing on interviews and data shared by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the policy brief outlines:
- How DEWD-TSP is structured and administered
- Program participation and spending since 2021
- Barriers to awareness, access, and renewal
- Policy opportunities to expand eligibility, clarify rules, and improve communication
- Recommendations for increasing utilization and aligning the scholarship with the goals of the Energy Transition Act
About the Project
This research was conducted as part of the Illinois Coal Workers & Communities Listening Project, led by the Climate Jobs Institute at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, in collaboration with:
- University of Illinois Department of Urban & Regional Planning
- University of Illinois Extension
- University of Illinois Labor Education Program
- University of Illinois Humanities Research Institute
- Harlem Documentary Project
- Prairie Rivers Network
The project seeks to listen to and learn from Illinois coal workers, their families, and communities affected by mine and plant closures — preserving their stories and informing policies for a just and equitable transition.