The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) approved a Higher Education Cooperation Act (HECA) grant for a Western Illinois University program, as well as grant funding for the continuation of the Quad Cities Graduate Study Center (QCGSC), which Western is a consortium member, at its meeting Aug. 26.

Western’s Project RSP (Recruiting, Supporting, and Preparing Minority Teachers) has received a $40,000 IBHE-HECA grant.  According to Project RSP Director Rodney Greer, the program will create partnerships with K-12 public schools and community colleges to increase the number of minority students entering the teaching profession, especially those seeking careers in diverse urban communities. Project partners will work to identify potential teacher candidates from minority populations, recruit candidates into the teacher education field and support them during their academic career and through the placement process.

The Quad Cities Graduate Study Center received a $220,000 IBHE grant for continuance of the center. The QCGSC’s mission is to provide graduate-level educational opportunities for working professionals in the Quad Cities region. Western Illinois University, a charter member of the consortium, enrolls more than 42 percent of all students at the Quad Cities Graduate Study Center. In addition to Western, other consortium member institutions include Augustana College, Bradley University, Drake University, Illinois State University, Iowa State University, Marycrest International University, Northern Illinois University, Saint Xavier University, St. Ambrose University, University of Illinois, University of Iowa and University of Northern Iowa. Enrollment at the QC Graduate Study Center has grown from 5,500 in 1997 to more than 10,000; with the number of graduate degree programs offered growing from 18 to more than 70.

For more information on Project RSP, contact Greer at 309/298-1690. For more information on the Quad Cities Graduate Study Center, contact Charles Laws at 309/794-7376.