INA — Rend Lake College AmeriCorps will receive a $445,500 grant to help train students and provide educational awards for participants to continue their higher education.

RLC AmeriCorps supports education, economic opportunity, and environmental stewardship for 14 southern Illinois counties including: Alexander, Clinton, Franklin, Hamilton, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Marion, Massac, Perry, Pulaski, Washington, Williamson, and Union. The grant will help approximately 60 members with training and educational awards during the 2017-18 academic year.

The grant provides for monthly living allowances; funding for CPR certifications, background checks, and fingerprinting; and a four-day, three-night training at the beginning of the academic year to get AmeriCorps members geared up for a year of service.

RLC’s grant is just one of dozens totaling $17.5 million for nearly 40 programs across Illinois.