Project Rise

Project RISE is a TRIO educational support program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. We offer a variety of services to assist you in becoming familiar with the Heartland Community College campus and accomplishing your educational, professional, and personal goals. If you would like to learn more, feel free to contact us at: 309-268-8403 or project.rise@heartland.edu.

Walter-Chadwick Family Project Rise Center

Project Rise is located in the Walter-Chadwick Family Project Rise Center. The opening of the new space was celebrated at the Student Center ribbon cutting in Fall 2024. Heartland Community College is grateful for the support of generous donors who share in our mission of providing accessible and innovative learning opportunities and resources that enrich the lives of our students. 

Services

Project RISE offers a variety of services to help you reach your goals. Some of these services include:  

  • Individualized Coaching  
  • Peer Mentoring 
  • Academic Assistance & Course Selection 
  • Personal, individualized math tutoring 
  • Career Counseling (including assistance finding on-campus and off-campus jobs) 
  • Financial Literacy   
  • Transfer Assistance 
  • College Visits 
  • Social and Academic Events 
  • Academic, Personal, Financial, Health and Wellness Workshops 
  • On-Campus and Off-Campus Community Connections 
  • Some Financial Supports, including referrals to resources  

Eligibility 

You may be eligible for project RISE services, if you meet ONE of the following criteria:  

  • You currently receive, or are qualified to receive, financial aid.  
  • You are a first-generation college student (neither parent has a bachelor degree).  
  • You are registered with Heartland’s Student Access and Accommodation Services with a verifiable disability.  

Application 

Applying is easy- you can apply online or by mail. Once we receive your application, we will contact you via your student email. 

Online 

Follow the following steps to apply online from anywhere. 

  1. Go to myHeartland. 
  2. Go to Student Center. 
  3. Enter your login name and password. 
  4. Click on the Project RISE application link (in lower right corner). 
  5. Complete the Project RISE application. 
  6. Submit when completed. 

By Mail or Office Delivery

Download and print the application form (PDF) and mail the completed application to:

Heartland Community College
Attn: Project RISE, WDC 1223
1500 W. Raab Rd.
Normal, IL 61761

Contact Project RISE

Location

WDC Student Center 1223
Walter-Chadwick Family Project Rise Center
1500 West Raab Rd.
Normal, IL 61761
Phone: 309-268-8404
Fax: 309-268-7997
Semester Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Email: project.rise@heartland.edu 
Instagram: @projectrisehcc 

Meet the Staff

Portait of Michelle Baldwin

Michelle Baldwin

Director, Project RISE

309-268-8191

Bio

Michelle Baldwin began her career at Heartland Community College in July 2022. She has worked in higher education for several years as a professor and an administrator and has experience directing TRIO grants. As a first-generation student herself, Michelle enjoys working closely with students in helping them meet their educational and professional goals.

Portait of Maria Abbonato

Maria Abbonato

Assistant Director, Project RISE

309-268-8421

Bio

Maria Abbonato began working as the Assistant Director in July 2024. Previously, she worked as a Peer Mentor for the program for two years. As someone who has been a first-generation, low-income student herself, she is passionate about working closely with students to help them succeed and thrive.

Portait of Sara Halder

Sara Halder

Program Assistant

308-268-8194
Portait of Michelle Bagby

Michelle Bagby

Math Specialist

Portait of Jacob Kilby

Jacob Kilby

Peer Mentor

Portait of Julia Lahr

Julia Lahr

Peer Mentor

Portait of Marlie Severin-Simmons

Marlie Severin-Simmons

Peer Mentor