SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Private funders are coming together to support grants to meet emergency needs of low-income students at the state’s public colleges and universities.
The Illinois Board of Higher Education, Illinois Community College Board, and Illinois Student Assistance Commission are rallying the funds to support low-income students.
The fund has raised $550,000, and Deputy Governor for Education Jesse Ruiz says students are on the top of their minds.
“Students are our priority and Illinois is doing everything it can to keep them safe and keep them on a path to their educational goals,” said Ruiz. “That means taking extraordinary measures to make sure they can still participate in their classes when faced with emergencies, like not being able to pay the utility bill or needing to put food on the table.”
The money raised will be allocated to public universities and community colleges based on their percentage and number of low-income students.
IBHE Executive Director Ginger Ostro explained that limited internet access can be a challenge students are facing during the pandemic.
It was announced by the state of Illinois on Friday that wi-fi hotspots will be placed throughout the state to help alleviate that problem for many students.
In the Peoria area, wi-fi hotspots are being placed at Fondulac District Library and Creve Coeur Public Library.
ICCB Executive Director Brian Durham says the fund will help keep some students in school.
“This fund, in conjunction with institutions’ emergency funds, will make the difference between a student who can stay in college and a student who has to drop out,” said Durham. “The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially hard on low-income students, and I’m impressed by the donors who are making it possible for these students to weather the transition.”
All part-time and full-time students in good standing are eligible, according to IBHE. The money will be distributed as grants, which do not have to be paid back. Students should contact their school directly to find out how to access the emergency funds.
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