“Advancing Community and Racial Healing in Rantoul for the Future of our Young Students and Families” seeks to “build relationships, trust, knowledge, and understanding around racial healing in Rantoul particularly following two recent police shootings involving young people of color. The project will conduct inclusive community conversations to shape a collective vision for Rantoul schools regarding racial healing, equity, early childhood development, and workforce development. Surveys and focus group discussions will be conducted to engage students, families, educators, and community leaders develop sustainable and equitable initiatives in the 2024-25 school year.
The second project, “Building Windows and Mirrors: Fostering a Partnership between Rantoul City Schools and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Project Team”, seeks to “foster transformative and inclusive opportunities for young Rantoul students through nurturing a partnership with the University of Illinois.” Led by Dr. Tan and the School of Social Work, the project’s goal is to provide campus support and resources to Rantoul’s Rise Academy, a new alternative school program for middle school students. The received funds will go towards creating a music studio where students can produce their own music with the guidance of university students. Events engaging parents will also be organized, providing insight into potential futures their children could embrace at the University of Illinois. The goal is to foster a collaborative and transformative partnership, celebrating diversity, recognizing individual strengths, and instilling a sense of community and self-worth in every student. Ultimately, this campus-community partnership seeks to be a catalyst for positive change in the Rantoul community.
“I’m thrilled that we secured these grants to be working with the Rantoul City Schools and the Carter Education & Community Foundation,” says Dr. Tan. “These projects will provide the opportunity for our students to lead in community engagement efforts, giving them the chance to make a tangible impact and develop invaluable leadership skills.”