WIDENING STUDENT PATHWAYS, STRENGTHENING ILLINOIS
Our 2024 statewide tour highlighted our commitment to building a thriving economy by increasing access to higher education and investing in Illinois’ future workforce. University of Illinois System leadership visited high schools in the state to connect with students and their administrators. These visits solidified students’ understanding of how accessible and affordable our best-in-class universities are, especially through our affordability programs, scholarships and recently expanded Transfer Guarantee.
These initiatives are working to welcome even more students to our universities. In fall 2024, the U of I System topped its previous record, reaching more than 97,700 students enrolled across the system.
The high school visits also opened doors to exploring opportunities for the system to provide critical programming and additional support.
By supporting high schools and strengthening talent pipelines early, we empower students to be college-ready and equip them to contribute to a robust and dynamic Illinois economy.
THREE HIGH SCHOOLS WITH
POTENTIAL STUDENTS ENGAGED FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT
Building futures at Homewood-Flossmoor
Students, educators, and leaders at Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School have many reasons to be proud, including a 96% graduation rate — almost 10 percentage points above the state average — and 20 College Board National African American/Black and Hispanic/Latino recognition awards.
We heard from students who shared their aspirations, concerns, and plans for their higher education journeys.
We also met with administrators to explore opportunities for partnerships on programs that support dual credit obtainment and deepen learning in critical areas like pre-calculus and the sciences.
These efforts aim to strengthen connections and prepare students for college, reinforcing our commitment to creating accessible pathways to higher education and fostering a resilient and prosperous future for Illinois.
Well-rounded students ready for the future
With active arts communities at all three U of I System universities, we recognize the arts are essential to a well-rounded education and vital to shaping adaptable, future-ready leaders.
At Walter H. Dyett High School for the Arts, educators nurture creativity and critical-thinking skills alongside a rigorous core curriculum, preparing the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers to contribute to a growing economy.
During this state tour stop, we heard from students about their post-graduation plans and dreams, and we shared our commitment to equitable recruitment, robust financial aid, and support on campus. Together with school administrators we planned the creation of custom tours at each of our universities, providing Dyett students with firsthand experiences that show the opportunities that await them.
Building the state's talent pipeline
At West Leyden High School, State Rep. Norma Hernandez facilitated a discussion with students from Leyden High School District 212 about their post-high school goals and future careers.
By building partnerships with high schools, increasing access and affordability at our universities, and expanding students’ opportunities for tech and other careers in Illinois, the U of I System creates even more opportunities for these students to one day enjoy the prosperity that helps fuel the state’s strong economy.
New U of I System statistics in the 2025 edition of Pocket Facts help tell the story. About 70% of graduates from system universities stay in Illinois to live, work, and contribute to the economy. Nearly 80% of our undergraduate students are Illinois residents, solidifying how essential it is for us to continue to retain Illinois talent.
