HALO program receives Innovative Bridge and Transition grant

Heartland Community College will be expanding opportunities in a program for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and learning challenges. 

Funding administered from an Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) Innovative Bridge and Transition grant will expand programming in the Heartland Academy for Learning Opportunities (HALO) program. The Innovative Bridge and Transition Grant program (IBT) funds are intended to help colleges and community organizations meet four main objectives, including transitions for students with disabilities. 

The HALO program offers a higher education experience for students 18-28 with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and other learning challenges. The program connects students with the academic, social/recreational, and soft skills necessary for a successful transition to adulthood. 

“This funding furthers our efforts to support students participating in our HALO program,” said Kori Folkerts, Heartland Director of Student Access & Accommodation Services. “This is the fourth year of IBT funding for HALO. During that time, we have been able to expand the program to offer a Transition Year to assist students in transitioning into college or the workforce with the support of their peers and instructors.” 

Through opportunity, support, and access, HALO students develop increased confidence to function independently on campus and in the community. Students gain confidence in many skill areas, including cooking, managing money, reading for life, computer technology, social development, community awareness, health and wellness, independent living, and math for life. 

Previous funding from the IBT grant funded the expansion of the HALO program to Heartland’s Pontiac campus. The FY26 grant will support the extension of the Transition Year for students on the Pontiac campus, as well as assist in the purchase of kitchen equipment for the Main Campus in Normal. Funding will also support students through tuition waivers for those in need. 

“The Innovative Bridge and Transition Grant Program continues to be one of our most powerful tools for opening doors to education and career opportunities across Illinois,” said ICCB Executive Director Brian Durham. “These grants allow our colleges to build strong, seamless pathways that help learners gain the skills they need, connect with in-demand industries, and ultimately achieve long-term economic mobility.” 

Previous IBT grant funding helped Heartland develop four additional courses for the HALO Expansion/Transition year: Transition to College/Basic Skills, Success Education, Professionalism/Career Preparation, and Social-Emotional Development.  

For more information about HALO and the program’s application process, please visit http://www.heartland.edu/halo.