State Grants to Fund Mental Health Support and Trades Training
Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | Dec. 8, 2025
Article Summary: The board accepted over $500,000 in state grants aimed at strengthening mental health services and expanding vocational training programs. Funds will support new equipment, student internships, and curriculum development for plumbing and electrical careers.
Grant Acceptance Key Points:
-
Trades Funding: A $298,564 grant will support “Taking Back the Trades,” focusing on plumbing and electrical career pathways for young adults.
-
Mental Health: A $170,898 grant will expand the “Mental Health Early Action on Campus” initiative, including the hiring of interns and purchasing a well-being assessment tool.
-
Bridge Program: A $60,751 grant will support adult education students transitioning into transportation careers.
The Lake Land College Board of Trustees on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, accepted three grants from the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) designed to support student welfare and workforce development.
The largest award was a $298,564 “Taking Back the Trades” grant. Grant Writer Beth Craig noted in a memo that the funds will be used to engage alternative and district high school students in plumbing and electrical careers. The grant will cover curriculum, software, and equipment purchases—including “electric go-karts to promote electrical training and application.”
The board also accepted a $170,898 grant to strengthen mental health supports. This funding will allow the college to hire three mental health interns from Eastern Illinois University, contract for psychiatric evaluation services, and renew a “TalkCampus” subscription.
Additionally, a $60,751 “Innovative Bridge and Transitions” grant was approved. This pilot program aims to help adult education students, including GED and ESL learners, obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Partly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers
Latest News Stories
Illinois approves $1.5B transit package, funding for long-delayed projects
Supreme Court allows Trump to withhold partial SNAP payment
Illinois quick hits: State EPA looks to fund EV charging stations; Tax Foundation says mayor’s proposal would hinder employment;
Casey Council Approves Over $2.45 Million in Bills, Renews $1.6 Million in CDs
Congressional Perks: Committees, caucuses cost $50 million since 2019
FAA funding problems hit airports in California, elsewhere
Judge bars ICE from acting against ‘protestors,’ ‘rapid response’ activists
Report: IL public schools show low academic proficiency, higher taxpayer funding
Watchdog: Special interest group paid legislators’ $25,000 resort bill
Union Pacific to ask appeals court for biometrics lawsuit exemption
Illinois quick hits: Notices of affected flights; injunction issued over ICE force
Evers, Grisham fly to Brazil for climate change summit as government remains shut down
