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Heartland Community College
awarded nearly $100,000 to support student mental health
[November 05, 2026]
NORMAL, IL – Heartland
Community College has been awarded $99,778 through the Illinois
Community College Board's (ICCB) FY27 College Student Mental Health
& Success Initiative Grant to strengthen mental health resources and
support student well-being.
The funding comes through a highly competitive statewide grant
program designed to help Illinois community colleges expand access
to mental health services, increase awareness of available
resources, and strengthen campus support systems that contribute to
student success.
The initiative provides grants of up to $100,000 per institution,
with ICCB anticipating awards to at least 22 community colleges
across Illinois.
“Mental health and academic success are closely connected. When
students are struggling with stress, anxiety, or other mental health
challenges, it can affect their ability to focus, attend classes,
and make progress toward their educational goals,” said Camille
Springer, Director of Student Counseling and Wellness Services at
Heartland. “This funding will help us strengthen the support and
resources available to students so they can stay engaged in their
education and succeed both inside and outside the classroom.”
The statewide initiative focuses on improving student mental health
by increasing awareness and access to services, early identification
of students who may need additional support, training for faculty
and staff, and expanded counseling and crisis-response resources.
The program also emphasizes building sustainable support networks
and creating campus environments where students feel comfortable
seeking assistance.
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Funds from the grant will go toward
connecting students with after-hours, weekend, and holiday crisis
counselors, expanding services at the regional centers in Lincoln
and Pontiac, and providing free wellness tools students can use
online.
The investment supports Heartland's ongoing efforts to address
barriers to student success and connect students with resources that
help them achieve their educational goals.
The FY27 College Student Mental Health & Success Initiative Grant
covers the period from July 1, 2026, through September 15, 2027.
[Steve Fast
Heartland Community College]
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