UNIVERSITY PARK – With support from State Senator Patrick Joyce, Governors State University will receive $129,169 to address student homelessness and help provide necessities many students lack.

“College students should be focused on their school work, not wondering where they will sleep that night,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I’m hopeful that with this funding, Governors State will be able to look into the concerns that have surfaced around student homelessness and be able to put a plan into effect.”

The End Student Housing Insecurity grants were awarded by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, and will be used to support ongoing efforts to address systemic causes of student homelessness and basic-needs insecurity. Governors State University is one of 10 institutions chosen by the IBHE.

The grants were awarded by a competitive application process, based on the school’s ability to address primary causes of homelessness and basic-needs insecurity, and to help students overcome barriers to graduation. The investment to Governors State University is just one step in the state’s higher education plan to close equity gaps for students.

“When students are lacking essential needs or struggling with housing issues, it creates a major burden on top of their coursework and can result in poor performance,” said Joyce. “These students deserve a secure and supportive environment that allows them to thrive academically, and this funding aims to make that happen.”

For more information on the End Student Housing Insecurity grants, click here.