Published on December 5, 2025

Lake Land College recently received a $18,903.94 Nursing School grant from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE).

Lake Land will use the grant funds in 2026 to support student outcomes in two specific areas. The first is to acquire educational equipment, including infusion pumps and a diverse set of mannequins and injection arms, which will better prepare students with the hands-on training necessary to thrive in their careers.

Additionally, the funds will be used to enhance the College’s partnerships with Eastern Illinois University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, promoting transfer opportunities for nursing students to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

“With this grant, we will be able to provide our students with more diverse body part trainers for our simulation labs to reflect patient populations,” Director of Nursing Programs Cassie Porter explained. “We are also able to use the funds to facilitate a seamless transition for our students from an associate degree to a four-year institution. This is a huge financial benefit to the students and also helps meet healthcare industry demands.”

The IBHE Nursing School Grant Program was implemented to increase the number of registered nurses in Illinois by providing eligible nursing programs with funds to hire faculty and staff, develop or expand instructional programs and academic support services, secure clinical sites, improve or increase space for classrooms and labs and purchase equipment and instructional materials. More information is available about the Nursing Grant Program on the IBHE website at IBHE.org/nsgp.html.

To learn more about nursing at Lake Land College, contact Porter at 217-234-5452 or cporter@lakelandcolleg.edu or visit the Lake Land College website at LakeLandCollege.edu/guided-pathways/area-of-study-health-and-public-services/?key=5&minor=HPS-2.