RLC STARS wraps up 2026 Summer Program with Educational Trips

INA, Ill. (August 18, 2026) — Rend Lake College’s TRiO STARS program recently wrapped up a summer of learning by taking students on educational and cultural excursions across Illinois and Missouri to expand their historical, civic and community engagement.

^{STARS students and staff gather on the University of Illinois Springfield campus during their three-day trip to Springfield.}

"These events are essential in helping our STARS students develop cultural, social, and historical awareness outside the classroom," said Dara Whaley, Director of TRiO Services.

From May 19–21, STARS students traveled to Springfield, for an immersive three-day trip focused on state government and regional history. Students toured the Illinois State Capitol and met with State Representative Dave Severin.

The trip also included visits to the Old State Capitol, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Lincoln’s New Salem historic site, a historic ghost walk tour and a campus visit to the University of Illinois Springfield.

^{The STARS program poses in front of the bronze bust of Abraham Lincoln and the monument at Lincoln's Tomb in Springfield.}

Later in the summer, the program brought students to St. Louis on July 30 for an evening at The Muny to see Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations. The musical follows the iconic group's journey from Detroit to international stardom against the backdrop of a pivotal era in American history.

^{STARS students and staff take their seats at The Muny in St. Louis ahead of a performance of "Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations."}

For more information about the STARS program, visit rlc.edu/stars or call (618) 437-5321 ext. 1326.