The award was in danger of being cut because of the Illinois budget crisis. The MAP grant program provides over $200 million dollars in funds for college and university students across Illinois. Monmouth College alone receives approximately 1.4 million dollars per semester.

     When the potential budget cut was proposed, Monmouth College students, faculty, staff, parents and trustees rallied together to do their part in stopping the budget cuts. On Sunday, Oct. 18, Governor Pat Quinn signed a bill giving $205 million dollars towards the MAP program after passing both houses of the Illinois General Assembly on Oct. 15.

     Director of Financial Aid Jayne Schreck said, "I want to send a thank you to everybody who took an active role. They understood this did not just affect those who receive it, but this affects everybody on campus."

     The Monmouth College community participated in various efforts to urge legislators to restore the grant money. Faculty and staff were made aware of the situation and asked to write in letters.

     The Office of Financial Aid also wrote letters for students in advance and simply asked them to read and sign the documents so they could be mailed by the Office of Financial Aid. Letters were also sent home to parents urging them to write in letters and place calls to their local legislators.

     "I am thrilled for the students who can continue their educational plans at they intended," said Schreck.

     Forty-five percent of Monmouth College’s students receive funds from this grant. In the suffering economy, this grant could be one of the factors keeping students able to attend colleges such as Monmouth.