PREPARING TOMORROW'S LEADERS
We're committed to increasing opportunities for all who seek higher education, from high school students deciding on their next steps to transfer students joining us on their educational journeys. The University of Illinois System is eager to welcome ambitious learners to our world-class universities.
Opening pathways for transfer students
We're committed to making the transfer process seamless and easy for Illinois community college students. Elgin Community College knows transfers. It’s long been a top conduit for students transferring into our three universities because of our solid partnership.
“Back when I was an ECC transfer student, it wasn’t as streamlined,” said Illinois Senator Cristina Castro, stressing how essential starting the path to a degree at a community college is for keeping student debt manageable. “So how do we help students seamlessly transfer into our state university programs? These two institutions are doing it incredibly well. We need to tout that across the state.”
As part of the system's Transfer Guarantee, Illinois community college students need only 36 transferable hours and a minimum 3.0 grade point average.
What’s next: Developing a new advocacy strategy aimed at obtaining more resources for transfers, including investing in advertising and marketing our Transfer Guarantee to prospective students.
Listening, learning and growing exposure
In Maywood, Proviso East High School students and leaders shared thoughts and advice about college recruitment, especially for underrepresented communities. Many of the students will be the first in their family to go to college.
Proviso East Principal Rodney Hull is clear about what his students need: “Provide them information and give them access and the opportunity to visit the campus, to get exposed to some of the majors and the programs.”
Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch encouraged the students and everyone supporting them: “You have the leadership of the University of Illinois System here in front of you. They're here to help you, as you move on in your journeys. We have to make sure we're all doing our part in that.”
What's next: Working with Proviso East staff to provide tours and more guidance to students, including better communications on community college transfer programs and financial aid opportunities.
Connecting for a stronger talent pipeline
Agribusiness and agriscience jobs are in greater demand than ever. Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences positions students to pursue careers in these and other essential agriculture fields.
The school’s partnership with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences provides a pipeline that benefits all parties.
What’s next: Continuing to work through the College of ACES to identify new potential targets for collaboration and increased outreach.
Jobs of tomorrow, today
At Discovery Partners Institute, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson kicked off a lively discussion with students and leadership about improving opportunities for Chicago learners—particularly in STEM and computing-related careers.
“My commitment to this city is investing in young people. It's a core tenet of my administration," he said. "Our young people have the power to make our city stronger.”
DPI, part of the U of I System, is committed to providing educational opportunities via programs like Digital Explorers and Digital Scholars so students can help build a pre-eminent and inclusive Chicago tech economy.
Kay Monelle, who leads DPI high school programming, explains: “The kids gain a sense of belonging from us. What we offer them is the support and the ability to know that they can exist in these spaces. I love that about us ... and they're just amazing kids!”
What’s next: Partnering with the mayor's office on our shared agendas, and increasing communications about DPI's Community Education programs.
Bridging the transfer gaps
At Malcolm X College, our delegation met with leadership from One Million Degrees. OMD provides financial and academic support to community college students in need, with the mission of providing a bridge to higher community college graduation rates and increasing economic mobility.
The U of I System shares their commitment to these goals and to ensuring transfer pathways for community college students are seamless.
What's next: Sharing information about community college transfer programs and formalizing the relationship with OMD.
