Room to grow: a partnership to improve education to workforce pathways for students from rural communities in northwestern illinois

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education awarded a $2,105,846 Project Grant under the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (CFDA 84.116) program to Northern Illinois University. The grant will fund a 4-year initiative called "ROOM TO GROW: A PARTNERSHIP TO IMPROVE EDUCATION TO WORKFORCE PATHWAYS FOR STUDENTS FROM RURAL COMMUNITIES IN NORTHWESTERN ILLINOIS", starting on January 1, 2024.

The key products and services to be delivered through this grant include:

• Coordinating involvement of underserved rural postsecondary students in the program, including identifying, supporting, and transitioning them to career pathways at Northern Illinois University
• Leading collective impact activities engaging local businesses and the Illinois Education and Career Success Network
• Supporting dual credit opportunities identified by high schools for career pathway endorsements
• Providing student success coaches and peer mentors to support underserved students' postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and attainment
• Training faculty and students on diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Aligning curricula between Northern Illinois University and local high schools

The grant program also includes sub-awards to Highland Community College Foundation ($668,881) and the Regional Office of Education 8 ($668,882) to deliver complementary services focused on rural postsecondary student support and career pathway development.