The Innovation in Diversity and Inclusion Grant Project Team is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s IDI Grants!

In the Training, Teaching, and Learning category, Brenda Schuster and Bree McClenning of LLCC-Beardstown was awarded to educate local high school students and administrators on the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (RISE Act). The RISE Act allows graduating high school seniors in Illinois to receive college assistance when they do not meet the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) requirements. The project aims to increase college enrollment and educate local community members in Cass County about alternative forms of financial assistance. This project will dispel the perception that no financial aid is available for undocumented, non-citizen and transgender students.

In the Training, Teaching and Learning category, Lori Large Oldenettel of LLCC-Jacksonville was awarded funding to carry out a Hunger Banquet. The Hunger Banquet is a meal and a presentation that addresses socio-economic differences, specifically around local hunger, world hunger and poverty. Through guided, thoughtful conversation, students will learn about the disparity of food and wealth and how we do not choose the economic situation we are born into.

Congratulations to the grant recipients! Their commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion at LLCC is appreciated, and we look forward to the positive impact these projects will have.