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.
Latest News Stories
November inflation at 2.7%, lower than expected
Warriors overcome slow start to handle Neoga, remain undefeated
Trump touts accomplishments, future policies during primetime address
Closing arguments made in congressional redistricting suit
U.S. House passes GOP health care bill, sends to Senate
Tips solicited for Brown University still at-large shooter
Illinois quick hits: Bovino thanks police; fire assistance grants available
Senate passes $900 billion Pentagon funding bill, sends to Trump’s desk
Bongino to resign as FBI deputy director in January
IL House Speaker: ‘not even close’ to school choice legislation
IL comptroller: Chicago mayor’s policies chase businesses away
Menards settles deceptive 11% rebate lawsuit for $4.25M with 10 states