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
Courts remain firm against unsealing grand jury records from Epstein trial
White House TikTok garners 1.3 million views in 24 hours
Newsom responds to Bondi’s letter on sanctuary policies
U.S., NATO military officials discuss Ukraine security guarantees
Illinois quick hits: Governor bans school fines; Target fires hundreds over fraud
Industry advocates: More state regulation will drive insurance rates higher
Lawmakers, policy groups react to social media warning suit
From Mexico to Knoxville, five cartel leaders wanted in drugs, weapons conspiracy
Trump administration pushes to remove noncitizen Medicaid enrollees
“Candy Canes on Main” Gets Green Light for Parade, Donation
Public education budgets balloon while enrollment, proficiency, standards drop
Illinois news in brief: Cook County evaluates storm, flood damage; Giannoulias pushes for state regulation of auto insurance; State seeks seasonal snow plow drivers
