NORMAL, Ill. (AP) — Illinois State University is launching its most ambitious fundraising campaign to date.

The university has set a goal to raise $150 million in private funds. The "Redbirds Rising" campaign was announced on Monday.

ISU President Larry Dietz says the money will help "ensure our students and scholars have access to the tools and resources needed to reach new levels of scholarship, leadership and innovation."

The funds will be used to expand scholarships for students, as well as international education, off-campus internships and leadership programs.

The university says it already has raised more than $103 million from more than 40,000 donors since the "quiet phase" of the campaign started in fiscal year 2014.

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