INA, Ill. (Oct. 11, 2023)—Rend Lake College has been awarded a nearly $2.25 million Title III grant to expand curriculum in growing fields like agricultural technology, logistics and more.
RLC’s project, Thriving Through Change, will support student success and develop these academic programs. College administrators proposed the project after a thorough analysis of institutional strengths and weaknesses, as well as needs stemming from widespread challenges such as pandemic recovery, changing industry needs, and others.
“We are excited to receive the Title III grant which will allow us to strengthen our institution by expanding curriculum in Agricultural Technologies, Industrial Electronics, Logistics, and others … along with improving our students’ experience as they advance their education,” said RLC President Terry Wilkerson.
Thriving through Change has two components. The first is to develop new academic programs in sustainable manufacturing and sustainable agriculture to prepare area residents for new employment options. The second focuses on developing a new data-driven, holistic student success management system to include targeted strategies to improve support for RLC’s disadvantaged, underserved students. As a result of the project, RLC anticipates increased enrollment and increased retention rates.
RLC’s five-year budget for this project totals $2,249,977.
Kim Wilkerson, Associate Vice President for CTE and Student Support at RLC, commented on the positive impact the grant would have on the college’s curriculum. “This grant-funded project is meant to adapt to industry needs so that RLC can better serve our community and support our faculty, staff, and most importantly, our students,” she said.
Staff will be hired to oversee this project, including a Director, Sustainable Manufacturing Specialist, Sustainable Agriculture Specialist, Student Success System developer, and an Administrative Assistant.
RLC offers occupational certificates and associate degree programs to prepare students for whatever path they decide to take after graduation, whether that be joining the workforce or transferring to a four-year university. While need is great in our area, so is opportunity. With advances in the industries, promising career options are becoming available for those who have the education to take advantage of them.
For more info, contact Kim Wilkerson at wilkersonk@rlc.edu.