Governor Pat Quinn recently visited Richland Community College to announce $3.5 million in state support for the renovation and construction of an addition to the Student Success Center at Richland. The project will expand space for learning at the center to allow student services to be consolidated into one location.

“Community colleges are vital to the Illinois economy. They launch young people into the world of work and help older students make a fresh start,” Governor Quinn said. “This improved student center will strengthen Richland Community College and provide students with the helping hand they need to thrive in their classes.”

The Student Success Center, which is dedicated to helping students make the most of their educational opportunities, will become the front line for helping adults returning to school and teaching new study skills to struggling students. The project is expected to cost a total of $4.7 million. State government will provide $3.5 million, and the local share is $1.2 million.

“Whatever the student sets out to accomplish, Richland Community College is here to provide the necessary support. The release of the funding for the Student Success Center will only enhance our ability to provide the services a student needs to be successful,” said Dr. Gayle Saunders, President of Richland Community College.

Demand for services has outgrown the space available at the Student Success Center. When construction wraps up, the center will have approximately 11,000 gross feet of new space and approximately 11,000 gross square feet of renovated space, along with improvements to the heating and air conditioning systems. It will include offices, meeting rooms, and storage areas.

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