HALO Program

HALO Program Heartland Academy for Learning Opportunities

Since 2009, the Heartland Academy for Learning Opportunities has provided postsecondary opportunities to students ages 18-28 with intellectual, cognitive and developmental disabilities. HALO students build personal and social skills through a balanced learning experience that includes reading, writing, math, and technology. In addition, the program offers these students an opportunity to experienc

e life on a college campus while developing self-determination, independent living, and employability skills.

Yesterday, IAA Credit Union wrapped up the semester with our final HALO Lunch and Learn! Phil and Erica led an engaging ...
04/24/2026

Yesterday, IAA Credit Union wrapped up the semester with our final HALO Lunch and Learn! Phil and Erica led an engaging session where students explored the basics of checking and savings accounts, learned how to confidently use online and mobile banking, and picked up smart strategies for protecting their money. They also shared helpful tips on how to spot potential scams and what steps to take if something doesn’t look right.

A big thank you to IAA Credit Union for a fantastic collaboration and for supporting our students in building essential financial skills!

Meet Our HALO Graduate: Sophie KnuffmanSophie lives right here in Bloomington. She enjoys singing, watching history show...
04/23/2026

Meet Our HALO Graduate: Sophie Knuffman
Sophie lives right here in Bloomington. She enjoys singing, watching history shows, and cosplaying and would love to volunteer at a historical site. Sophie’s favorite part about HALO has been talking with her friends. She is still thinking about what she will do after graduation.

Come join us for Doughnuts and Discussions on April 29th in the WDC room 1601 from 11am-1pm! Stop by for a casual, suppo...
04/22/2026

Come join us for Doughnuts and Discussions on April 29th in the WDC room 1601 from 11am-1pm! Stop by for a casual, supportive environment where students can enjoy a treat, ask questions, and engage in open dialogue about accessibility, campus life, and student experiences. This event is sponsored by the Student Access and Accommodations Department. For any disability related accommodations please contact SAAS at accommodations@heartland.edu or call our office at 309-268-8259.

Last call for HALO Campus Visits! We have a few slots available before the end of our semester. Sign up to visit our Nor...
04/21/2026

Last call for HALO Campus Visits! We have a few slots available before the end of our semester. Sign up to visit our Normal or Pontiac campus and learn about the 2-Year and Transition programs, visit a HALO class and meet some of our students, and learn about our application process. Go to heartland.edu/HALO for more information or sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090B45A4AD2FA57-59185270-halo #/

Meet Our HALO Graduates: Bryce HardestyBryce is one of our first graduates from the Heartland Community College Pontiac ...
04/20/2026

Meet Our HALO Graduates: Bryce Hardesty
Bryce is one of our first graduates from the Heartland Community College Pontiac campus. He lives in Roberts and enjoys playing video games. One of Bryce’s favorite things about HALO has been the fact that he only has class two days a week. After graduation, he hopes to learn how to make video games and start a indie game studio.

This past week the HALO Transition Students attended the Job Fair hosted by Heartland Community College. They practiced ...
04/17/2026

This past week the HALO Transition Students attended the Job Fair hosted by Heartland Community College. They practiced using their elevator pitches to introduce themselves and learn about job opportunities in our area.

Meet Our HALO Graduates: Bailey KeiserBailey lives in Normal and enjoys racing, wrestling, diamond painting and playing ...
04/16/2026

Meet Our HALO Graduates: Bailey Keiser
Bailey lives in Normal and enjoys racing, wrestling, diamond painting and playing with her dogs. One of her favorite things about HALO has been making new friends. After graduation, Bailey hopes to find a good job in an office and spend more time with her friends.

Pontiac HALO students hit the rails! They used the Amtrak schedule to make ticket reservations and then traveled by trai...
04/15/2026

Pontiac HALO students hit the rails! They used the Amtrak schedule to make ticket reservations and then traveled by train to Uptown Normal . They enjoyed lunch at Hacienda Leon before returning to campus.

Last week the HALO Transition Students attended the Transition Fair sponsored by the Transition Planning Committee (TPC)...
04/14/2026

Last week the HALO Transition Students attended the Transition Fair sponsored by the Transition Planning Committee (TPC). There were many different organizations from the surrounding area that shared resources with the students to help them in planning for the future. Students were able to visit several of these booths to find out what services they offered and how that could be of use to them in navigating life after graduation.

Help us bring the HALO Transition Year to Heartland Community College Pontiac! This one-year program helps students with...
04/13/2026

Help us bring the HALO Transition Year to Heartland Community College Pontiac! This one-year program helps students with intellectual, cognitive or development delays and other learning challenges prepare for college or more competitive employment through instruction and support while identifying steps to help students achieve their desired future.
If you or anyone you know is interested, sign up for a campus visit or reach out via email. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090B45A4AD2FA57-59185270-halo #/

Come be a Heartland Hawk!

Colors of Awareness: World Autism Month EventStudents will be invited to sign in, pick up a coloring sheet, and engage i...
04/10/2026

Colors of Awareness: World Autism Month Event
Students will be invited to sign in, pick up a coloring sheet, and engage in a relaxed discussion. Guided by conversation cards with both tailored and general prompts, participants will have the opportunity to explore perspectives, share thoughts, and build a deeper understanding of autism and neurodiversity.

Coloring supplies and sensory toys will be available to support a comfortable and inclusive space for everyone. Whether you choose to actively participate in discussion or simply listen and reflect, this event offers a meaningful way to engage in a supportive community setting.

Free pizza will be included.

Monday, April 13
11AM - 1PM
WDC 1601 (Welcome room)

Students in the HALO 2-Year Program at Normal campus rode the bus to Uptown Normal this week. They stopped at The Garlic...
04/09/2026

Students in the HALO 2-Year Program at Normal campus rode the bus to Uptown Normal this week. They stopped at The Garlic Press to see a cooking demonstration and do some shopping. Thank you to Sarah and her team for an incredible experience! Students enjoyed lunch at Hacienda Leon before returning to campus.

Address

1500 W Raab Road
Normal, IL
61761

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4am
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+13092688255

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