Greenwood Seeks to Help Lower Income Students Afford Higher Education

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – State Rep. LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis, is championing legislation that will help those who are from underprivileged households obtain more assistance in funding their education.

“When we can offer young people an educational foundation, we give them the necessary tools to become agents of change in their neighborhoods,” said Greenwood. “The extreme cost of tuition makes it difficult for disadvantaged students to receive a higher education. We need to assist these students so that they are given the opportunity to achieve the goals that they have set for themselves.”

Greenwood’s House Bill 456 would require the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to award grants to students who are from households that are below the federal poverty line. The grant would help students pay for tuition and fees, books, and room and board. Greenwood sees the bill as a way to empower students to access education and improve their communities.

“Education is key when it comes to combatting the issues that harm our economy,” said Greenwood. “It is my goal that by implementing this policy we can empower students by teaching them what they can do to make positive change.”