INA, Ill. (October 17, 2025) — On October 9, Rend Lake College hosted Illinois State Senator Terri Bryant and her Youth Advisory Council in the RLC Event Center.
Illinois State Senator Terri Bryant leading her Youth Advisory Council in discussion.
Senator Bryant's Youth Advisory Council provides high school students in the 58th Senate District with an opportunity to get involved with government and develop an understanding of how laws are made.
The Council was welcomed to the RLC campus by President Lori Ragland, who spoke about the importance of higher education and civic engagement. She encouraged the students to understand how their communities operate and continue their academic journeys.
RLC President Lori Ragland welcoming the Youth Advisory Council to Rend Lake College.
Located centrally in Southern Illinois, RLC actively brings together students, educators and community members to create an environment of collaboration and mutual growth.
"Rend Lake College was very kind to let us use this facility," said Senator Bryant. "The college being the geographical center of the [58th Senate] District allows for students to come from all different directions in Southern Illinois."
Hosting the Youth Advisory Council, RLC highlighted its role of being a central hub for Southern Illinois and its goal to foster regional growth. Through such partnerships, RLC continues its mission of promoting higher education and strong civic engagement in Southern Illinois.