AT THE VERY CORE
A healthy, thriving economy depends on a strong, educated workforce. Developing and nurturing a variety of pathways for the talent pipeline is essential. From K-12 to community colleges relationships, our robust partnerships lead to greater access and scalable outcomes.
Pathways for everyone
A priority at every turn, opportunities for students of color permeated conversations among system representatives and leaders from all seven City Colleges of Chicago campuses. It's inspiring and effective to have so much compassionate and future-focused brainpower in one room. Everyone is striving to create even greater pathways to U of I System universities – and strong careers – including continued partnership on ease of transfers.
What’s next: Malcolm X College leadership already visited University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) to kick off even closer connections. The system, its three universities and community colleges are working to cohost a transfer symposium.
It all adds up
Teaming up with Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy serves as a bright example of partnering with purpose. Our goals and those of the Chicago powerhouse are one and the same – STEAM strength and equity, supporting discoverers and problem solvers, education innovation and so much more.
What’s next: Simmering possibilities around shared strategic priorities include curricula and program development, as well as working with IMSA as a testing site for new innovations in teaching and learning.
Attention to transfers
It’s no wonder partners’ ideas centered on evolving transfers to support students. In Chicago's western suburbs, College of DuPage sends the most transfer students to U of I System universities so they can pursue careers in computer science, business administration, nursing and more. The collective vision features broadening transfer opportunities by replicating what’s working and creating innovative paths that benefit all parties.
What’s next: The system, its three universities and College of DuPage are already working through opportunities for collaboration in the transfer arena.
School district leaders
Two roundtable discussions with high school superintendents allowed participants to share both challenges and solutions for all to learn from. We’re all working together to help students of color connect with system universities for the education options they seek. Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch and Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin helped make these essential sessions possible.
What’s next: Developing plans to partner further with legislators and educators. The system will host events for high school educators looking to create or bolster their advanced placement offerings.
Full-continuum conversation
The University of Illinois System and Enclave Learning Academy share similar goals, especially supporting entrepreneurs who create the jobs of the future. Elk Grove High School and Harper College send the best and the brightest to system universities for engineering, computer science and other STEM staples. State Rep. Michelle Mussman’s vision for further connecting these entities around shared goals and potential pathways means opportunity for all.
What’s next: Illinois Innovation Network connections. Plus next-step conversations with University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), Enclave and Harper College.
The University of Illinois System is the flagship higher education system in the state of Illinois.