Western Illinois University (WIU) is set to receive $840,211 in funding for academic and social-emotional learning support through a grant provided by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
“It is important to provide Western Illinois with funding that will translate directly to greater student outcomes,” State Senator Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, said in a Thursday, Feb. 9, news release. “This funding will assist Western in improving services on the Macomb and Quad Cities campuses.”
This is the second round of Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER) grants to Illinois institutions of higher education to help mitigate the effects of the pandemic. More than $10.5 million in grants have been distributed to 21 universities in the state, both public and private institutions. Western Illinois University has been awarded over $840,000 as a result of the second round of grants.
These funds will help institutions better support students in their journey toward degree completion by improving the accessibility of academic advising and counseling resources and enhancing the quality of learning through digital tools and educator professional development, the release said. Grant funds will also help institutions invest in infrastructure for mental health and wellness by addressing gaps in mental health services on campus and improving the availability of counseling services.
“As the Senate chair of Higher Education, I expect to see Western Illinois continue to receive its fair share,” Mr. Halpin said.
