Illinois Global Institute and it's area study centers and thematic programs make the University of Illinois a leading institu ... tion for area and global studies as well as international research collaboration. They are home to academic programs and support work across campus, and they raise more than $2.5 million in grants, gifts, and endowment income that funds faculty research, academic and cultural experiences for students, outreach and public engagement, scholarships, and fellowships. Four are Department of Education National Resource Centers. Prior to the creation of the IGI, six of the centers and programs were part of the College of LAS; the other four were in Illinois International Programs. In 2018, the Task Force on Area Centers and Thematic programs, comprised of current and former directors of the units, recommended that the units be brought together. read more