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College of Applied Science and Technology
Program director talking to students.

CAST Connections

Define your own success.

Get Support Tailored to You

Illinois State has a lot to offer. You might not know exactly what you need or who can help.

We do.

Come to us with your challenges and goals and we can point you in the right direction.

CAST Connections is a success center.

We connect you to people and opportunities that help you grow as a person and professional.

Seize your opportunity.

Take advantage of one of our programs. It's a great way to reach your full potential on your schedule with little time commitment.

  • Micro Internships

    We’ll help you find short-term professional work so you can explore your career curiosity without a big commitment.

    Get help finding a micro internship

  • Individualized Student Consultation

    Meet one-on-one with a support person who on can help you make the most of your academic experience, including overcoming academic challenges, getting involved in campus activities, and preparing for life after graduation.

    Make a consultation appointment

  • Personal Development

    Your future is more than just a career. We offer services to help you to develop a growth mindset, form meaningful professional relationships, develop financial literacy, and more.

    Learn more about development services

CAST Student Financial Relief Grants

Unexpected financial hurdles shouldn't stand between you and your education. The College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST) offers two distinct, one-time grant opportunities to help students bridge short-term gaps, clear account blocks, and keep moving forward toward graduation.

  • CAST Persistence Grant

    Designed to provide targeted financial relief for students experiencing temporary academic or financial road bumps that threaten their continued enrollment.

    Who Should Apply: Any CAST student who is at risk of having an enrollment block or needs short-term assistance to maintain continuous enrollment and academic momentum.

    Purpose: To bridge immediate financial gaps before registration or retention milestones are impacted.

    To request a Persistence Grant, please apply here.

  • CAST Hardship Grant

    Designed to provide critical, one-time financial assistance to students facing acute, unforeseen emergencies or barriers that impact student success.

    Who Should Apply: Any CAST student who currently has a balance under $300 dollars on their student account but needs additional resources beyond academics.

    Purpose: To help resolve urgent unexpected financial crises.

    To request a Hardship Grant, please apply here.

Group of CAST Connection Student Working on laptops
Group of CAST Connection Students
Two CAST Connection students male and female
Group of CAST Connection Students
Group of CAST Connection Students
CAST Connect female student
Students gathered at a CAST event
Students reading on a CAST event
Student and professor posing on the CAST Connect Event
Students working on the Make It Matter Event
Students posing on a CAST event

Be part of a community.

Dedicate time to working on you. Our communities connect you with the right support system to help you accomplish your goals.

  • College-2-Career (C4) Alliance

    Calm any anxiety you might have about your future. This community offers career readiness activities for those who want to enter the workforce and grad school prep if you want to continue your academic journey.

    Join C4 Alliance

  • First Fellows

    First Fellows is an initiative designed to cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills by guiding participants through the research process—from formulating questions to presenting findings. Participants will engage in workshops, mentorship sessions, and collaborative projects that build foundational knowledge in research design, methodology, data collection, and analysis. No prior research experience is required—only a willingness to learn and explore. This initiative serves as a springboard for more advanced research opportunities and academic growth. Students involved in this program may be able to receive up to $350.00 in scholarships. This program admits students on a rolling basis. 

    First Fellow

  • CASTing Change

    Impact your community and gain a sense of accomplishment. This semester-long program gives you opportunities to use your resources, talents, and leadership skills to make a difference.

    Apply here

Refer a student. If you know a student who could benefit from CAST Connections, let us know.

Upcoming CAST Connections Events

There are no events at this time.

View all CAST Connections events

Director, Tamekia Bailey

Meet the CAST Connections Director

Tamekia Bailey has a passion for student success.

Get to know Tamekia