Illinois Board of Higher Education, Illinois Community College Board, and Illinois Student Assistance Commission are rallying private funders to support grants to meet emergency needs of low-income students at the state’s public colleges and universities. Illinois public universities serve more than 50,000 low-income students, and the state’s community colleges serve more than 81,000 low-income students. To date the fund has raised $550,000. Deputy Governor for Education Jesse Ruiz said, “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. 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. I appreciate the three boards for initiating the Public University and Community College Student COVID-19 Emergency Fund.”

The money raised will be allocated to public universities and community colleges based on their percentage and number of low-income students. ICCB Executive Director Brian Durham said, “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. 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.” This fund will be administered by the Southern Illinois University Foundation. The institutions each have an established foundation capable of quickly receiving and distributing funds. All part-time and full-time students in good standing are eligible. 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.