The Lincoln Land Community College Foundation has launched a $2.5 million fundraising campaign following an increase of requests from students needing support for costs associated with college.
Any interest the endowment fund generates will go toward scholarships for students and other campus priorities.
LLCC Foundation Director Karen Sanders says she wants the campaign to reach its goal by the 50 year anniversary of the college, May 2017.
(CLICK HERE to learn more about the campaign)
She says the student population has grown since recent renovations were completed - and so have their needs.
"Whether it be for tuition, fees, books - We also have a wonderful program for students who have emergency needs. That student who has extenuating circumstances. A fire in their home, a tornado; we've kind of seen all of that happen. And we've been there to support students in those needs as well."

Once the campaign reaches its three-year goal, an estimated $150,000 will be available to support the school each year.
Lincoln Land serves approximately 17,000 students each year across central and southern Illinois.
More information (from LLCC):
The annual earnings from the Foundation endowment fund provide vital financial resources for:
Scholarships — tuition, fees, books and emergency needs for direct student support, for such items as grocery and gas cards, bus passes and tools for students in a variety of programs.
Instructional excellence and achievement — state-of-the art teaching environments for nursing, surgical technology and other programs; books, DVDs and software to help develop curriculum; iPads, computers and other technologies.
Programs and supporting activities — development of new programs and supporting curricula responsive to community needs; and ensuring the long-term viability of the Foundation.