IVCC receives grant to help students from vulnerable populations

Illinois Valley Community College has been awarded more than $130,000 from the Governor's Emergency Education Relief Grant to enroll, retain and graduate first-generation, low-income and underrepresented students.

Beginning Jan. 14 with the spring semester, the $130,981 GEER Grant will help students transition to college or continue in college toward their educational goal.

“This program will break down and ideally eliminate existing technological barriers that hamper success, often in rural communities,” said IVCC Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Bonnie Bennett-Campbell.

The program will award up to $1,000 in assistance to qualifying students. It also features tuition forgiveness and vouchers for necessary supplies such as textbooks and PPE.

IVCC will identify, recruit and assist at-risk students who lack reliable digital devices and/or internet connectivity. The program has 20 student laptops to loan and 25 mobile hotspots and allows for the hiring of a specialist to support online learning.

To determine if you qualify, apply at ivcc.edu/geer. For information, email student_services@ivcc.edu.