Western Illinois University has created a new degree program that prepares graduates to become leaders in their communities. The Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at WIU has received $10,000 from the Moline Foundation to support the new Master of Arts in Community and Economic Development.
Chris Merrett, director of the Institute, says students in the new program will get the hands-on experience they need to work for foundations, community-based organizations, social service agencies, and in local government.
He says the money from the Moline Foundation will be used to pay for graduate assistantships, guest speakers, and community development projects.
Merrett says the courses will be taught by faculty members with backgrounds in community organizing, fundraising, and more.
Students can enroll in the program starting with the fall semester. Courses will be taught at WIU's Quad Cities campus as well as online.