Illinois State’s faculty place a high value on experiential learning programs that impact students’ personal and professional development outside the classroom.
Experiences like studying abroad, field studies, student research, and civic engagement are all life-changing opportunities that propel students forward; however, many students are not financially able to take advantage of these opportunities without the support of our Redbird donors.
Jake Brasen is a senior at Illinois State studying geography and environmental studies. This past summer, Brasen had the opportunity to do field study and research in Utah along the Colorado River—an opportunity made possible by Redbird donors.
“Getting out there … I learned how important it is to be flexible and adapt in the field. I also discovered that I love the environment and being outdoors, and I hope to become an environmental analyst.”
Jake Brasen
This fall, Illinois State University is launching the Elevate a Redbird’s Experience fundraising initiative. The goal of this appeal is to garner $60,000 in support of Illinois State University. Six vital programs are featured for this initiative because they deepen students’ learning and development, broaden perspectives and set students up for success beyond the classroom.
These programs include Student Research, Study Abroad and Field Study, Career Services, Center for Civic Engagement, and the Multicultural Center. The Red and White Scholarship Fund is also featured due to the ongoing support needed to fund emergency financial assistance throughout the year.
Each of these areas elevate the overall Redbird experience by addressing needs and developing skills that students carry with them beyond graduation. You can learn more about each fund and contribute by visiting the Elevate a Redbird’s Experience homepage.
Career Services
Career Services provides students with resources to secure internships, polish resumes, network, practice mock job interviews, and partner with expert career advisors before and after graduation.
Study Abroad
Cultural experiences through international study abroad programs provide high impact learning and expand students’ worldviews and preparedness for success beyond graduation. Private donations from alumni and friends of Illinois State allow more students this life-changing opportunity.
Yasmin Carrillo, a senior in the School of Communication, studied in Spain for credit towards her foreign language minor.
“Studying abroad elevated my Redbird experience by fostering my leadership skills,” Carrillo said. “I never thought that I would be able to afford studying abroad while at Illinois State, because studying abroad is costly. I was fortunate enough to receive two scholarships that made it possible for me without a lot of stress. Thank you to the donors that gave to provide this support.”
Student Research
Student research and domestic field study increases the depth of learning and helps Redbirds see themselves as knowledge creators who can contribute to their field of study. Currently, over 2,000 undergraduate students are earning credit for research. Nearly 500 students presented their research at last year’s annual Research Symposium.
Multicultural Center
The Multicultural Center is a place of belonging and support where students have a space for intersecting identities and to become a champion for antiracism, equity, and justice. The center also offers a variety of spaces to accommodate a wide range of events. The Dr. Charles E. Morris Jr. and Dr. Jeanne B. Morris Library is a social justice library in the Center complete with resources focused on antiracism, justice, identity, and equity.
Center for Civic Engagement
Civic Engagement opportunities prepare students to live thoughtful and meaningful lives through programming like Deliberative Dialogues, which facilitates guided conversations on difficult topics.
The Center for Civic Engagement also provides opportunities for Alternative Break service projects during university breaks. The center also plays a big role in voter education and participation efforts on campus.
Red and White Scholarship Fund
Sometimes unexpected challenges threaten a Redbird’s path. The Red and White Scholarship Fund helps them overcome obstacles and stay focused on their path to graduation. This past 2021-2022 school year, over $573,000 was disbursed from the Red and White Scholarship to 120 students in financial need.
The goal is to raise $60,000 by December 31, 2022, for Elevate a Redbird’s Experience through contributions to these featured funds or through donors’ favorite university causes. Whichever fund donors support, they will share one objective—to ensure current students scale the summit of their journey at Illinois State.
Private support is integral to the Redbird experience. To learn more about how you can provide more critical experiential learning opportunities for students or to support students facing unexpected obstacles, visit Hatch.IllinoisState.edu.
