Gov. Blagojevich offers Illinois residents displaced from their college or university by Hurricane Katrina a chance to continue their education at an Illinois community college

Governor Blagojevich has directed the Illinois Community College Board to ensure that all Illinois residents displaced from their higher education by Hurricane Katrina be able to continue their education at an Illinois community college.

  

            "This great tragedy has displaced so many people, including many students from Illinois who were pursuing higher education in the gulf region," Governor Blagojevich said.  "Many of them can't afford to lose a semester on their way to a college degree.  We need the community colleges of Illinois to help them to continue their studies uninterrupted."

  

            Illinois Community College Board President Guy Alongi said that some presidents have already started receiving calls from affected parents and students, and that local colleges will ensure that students are able to continue their studies.

  

            "Our colleges are outstanding at responding to the needs of their local communities,"  Alongi said.  "Right now, what many people in our community need is a place where they can keep working toward a degree, and we will provide that."