Lake Land College Board Accepts Over $284,000 in STEM and Agriculture Grants
Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | October 13, 2025
Article Summary: The Lake Land College Board of Trustees on Monday, October 13, 2025, formally accepted two grants totaling more than $284,000 to bolster support for students in science and technology fields and to address a statewide shortage of agriculture teachers.
Grant Funding Key Points:
-
TRIO STEM Grant: A five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education, with a first-year award of $272,346, to support 120 low-income, first-generation, or disabled students pursuing STEM majors.
-
GAST Grant: A $12,500 grant from the Illinois State Board of Education for the Growing Agricultural Science Teachers program to recruit and retain agricultural education teachers.
-
Board Action: The board voted unanimously to accept both grants.
MATTOON, IL – Lake Land College is set to enhance its programs for students in STEM and agriculture after the Board of Trustees on Monday, October 13, 2025, accepted a major federal grant and a state-level grant aimed at teacher recruitment.
The board approved a five-year TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The first-year award for the grant is $272,346. According to college officials, this is the first time Lake Land has received a TRIO SSS STEM grant, which is designed to increase retention and graduation rates for students traditionally underrepresented in higher education. The funds will be used to serve an additional 120 students who are low-income, first-generation, or disabled and are pursuing majors in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or health sciences.
Additionally, the board accepted a $12,500 Growing Agricultural Science Teachers (GAST) grant from the Illinois State Board of Education. Received by the Agriculture Division, the grant aims to recruit, develop, and retain agricultural education teachers to address a shortage in the field across Illinois and the nation. The funds will provide stipends and tuition waivers for students in mentoring and internship programs.
Both grants were accepted unanimously by the board.
Events
Latest News Stories
Plaintiffs weigh steps after appeals court upholds transit concealed carry ban
IL comptroller candidate touts experience, focuses on transparency
WATCH: Pritzker expects feds soon; appeals court affirms transit concealed carry ban
Casey Lions Club Cleans Up Rt 40
Illinois quick hits: Economic conditions show stability; EPA recruitment efforts
Casey Fire Chief Outlines Equipment Needs, Including New Truck and Thermal Camera
Casey Officials Praise ‘Incredible’ Popcorn Festival for Community Spirit, Economic Boost
Casey Fire District Board Approves Administrative Salary Raise, Adopts Tentative Budget
WATCH: Pritzker focuses on violence intervention; VP won’t confirm deployments
House committee investigating Dem governors for ‘illegal alien’ Medicaid spending
Illinois quick hits: House investigating Medicaid for illegal immigrants; transit concealed carry case decided by appeals court
WATCH: Chicago hearing addresses police workload; resident calls for federal help
