CHAMPAIGN, IL – October 2025 — The Learning Technology Center (LTC) has announced the recipients of its 2025 Mini-Grant awards, providing a total of $4,000 in funding to help Illinois educators create hands-on, technology-enhanced learning experiences for their students.
Each year, the LTC’s Mini Grant program supports classroom projects that foster creativity, digital skills, and authentic learning opportunities. This year’s winners represent a diverse range of initiatives, from podcasting and robotics to IT support and 3D printing. Each project is designed to help students explore technology in meaningful, career-connected ways that expand classroom learning into the real world.
“This year’s Mini Grant applications reflected a strong level of innovation and purpose,” said Tim McIlvain, Executive Director of the Learning Technology Center. “Each selected project exemplifies how thoughtful technology integration can deepen student engagement, foster critical thinking, and connect classroom learning to authentic, real-world experiences.”
The LTC recognized the 2025 Mini Grant recipients publicly on November 13 in Springfield, Illinois, during the annual Illinois Education and Technology Conference (IETC)’s morning keynote.
Hamilton County CUSD 10 & ROE 20
Hamilton County Senior High will create a student-led podcast and video production studio to help students develop communication, media literacy, and technical skills. Students enrolled in Podcasting, Business, and Computer Applications courses will rotate through roles such as host, producer, and editor to create original content, including school news podcasts, promotional videos, and community stories.
The project will engage 75-100 students annually, providing authentic media-production experience and digital portfolios for college and career readiness.
Recipient: Chrissy Cockrum, Technology Teacher
Award: $1,000
Regional Office of Education 35 Academy (ROE 35)
The ROE 35 Academy will integrate 3D printing into its alternative education classrooms, offering students hands-on experience with design, engineering, and manufacturing. Using CAD software such as Tinkercad, students will design and print their own creations, developing technical skills, STEM awareness, and confidence in problem-solving.
The 3D printer will also become a permanent classroom resource, benefitting current and future students.
Recipient: Zach Shaw, Technology Coordinator
Award: $1,000
Illinois Valley Central USD 321 & ROE 48
Illinois Valley Central High School will enhance its Technology Support Internship (TSI) program with professional-grade tools for IT repair and cybersecurity training. Students will use soldering stations, precision tools, and barcode scanners to maintain and secure school devices, simulating a real IT help desk.
The project will prepare approximately 40 students each year for future careers in information technology and digital security.
Recipient: Honor Anar, Teacher
Award: $1,000
Kinnikinnick CCSD 131 & ROE 4
Stone Creek Elementary School will introduce Makeblock mBot Robotics Kits to engage third grade students in coding, engineering, and robotics. Students will learn block-based programming using Scratch to design and control their own robots, applying math and science concepts through creative challenges.
The kits will also support the district’s upcoming after-school coding club, providing a sustainable foundation for early STEM exploration.
Recipient: Crystal Ellis, Teacher
Award: $1,000
The LTC’s Mini Grant program helps educators turn creative ideas into classroom impact by funding small-scale projects that promote meaningful technology integration. Awarded projects often serve as models for other districts across Illinois, demonstrating how even modest investments can create lasting opportunities for students.
For more information about the Mini Grant program and past recipients, visit the program hub →
Tim directs the Learning Technology Center, providing strategic leadership, expertise, and operational management for statewide technology and digital learning initiatives.
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