UNIVERISTY PARK – Governors State University is among one of 21 higher education institutions that have been awarded funding from the Illinois Board of Higher Education in the second round of Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund grants, State Senator Patrick Joyce announced Friday.

“Many of our state’s higher education students struggled with hard times academically as a result of the pandemic,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “In order for students to get back on the right track, it’s important that universities are providing resources for them in order to grow and be successful.”

This is the second round of GEER grants to Illinois institutions of higher education to help mitigate the effects of the pandemic. More than $10.5 million in grants have been distributed to 21 universities in the state, both public and private institutions. Governors State University has been awarded over $445,000 as a result of the second round of grants.

These funds will help institutions better support students in their journey toward degree completion by improving the accessibility of academic advising and counseling resources and enhancing the quality of learning through digital tools and educator professional development. Grant funds will also help institutions invest in infrastructure for mental health and wellness by addressing gaps in mental health services on campus and improving the availability of counseling services.

“College can already be a difficult transition for groups of people who have historically been left behind, and COVID did not make it any easier,” said Joyce. “I’m glad that the Board of Higher Education has acknowledged this and is enabling colleges in the state to help our students.”

For more information about the second round of GEER grants and to see a complete list of grant recipients, visit IBHE’s website.