More than 70 laptops were distributed to students from Illinois Central College during the Fill the Firetruck event hosted by the Peoria Fire Department on Wednesday. This initiative aims to support low-income and first-generation college students who may struggle to access necessary technology for their education.
The event was organized by Scott Howard from Peoria Firefighters Local 50, in collaboration with ICC TRIO financial aid officers. Other community groups and agencies also supported the effort, highlighting a collective commitment to student success.
Lamar Anderson, a financial advisor with the TRIO program and a former TRIO student himself, expressed the significance of this partnership for the college and its students. TRIO, which is federally funded, is designed to provide academic assistance to disadvantaged groups, including low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and those with disabilities.
“We know that this is something that our students will be able to use, and it’s going to help them become more successful,” Anderson stated, emphasizing the tangible benefits of the laptops for student achievement.
This marks a shift in the Fill the Firetruck initiative, which has traditionally focused on younger students. For the first time, the program has turned attention to college students, reflecting an evolving understanding of technology’s role in education.
The distribution of laptops is part of ongoing efforts to improve access to resources for students in the Peoria area, ensuring they have the tools necessary to thrive in their academic pursuits.
