As we celebrate the end of another year at PCC, we are proud of the small and large steps made in the pursuit of higher education equity in Illinois. Looking back on 2022, we feel fortunate to work with all of you who give your time, talents, and resources in pursuit of racial and socioeconomic justice for all those who seek a college degree in this state.
In the spirit of reflection that accompanies the close of one year and the start of another, we want to take a moment to reflect on what our collective group of equity-minded practitioners, scholars, advocates, policymakers, funders, and other partners continues to achieve.
- This spring, PCC supported institutions across the state as they developed and submitted comprehensive developmental education reform plans for the first time, in compliance with the Developmental Education Reform Act, to ensure that students are appropriately placed in courses that meet their needs and that disparities in student achievement in gateway courses are not perpetuated based on students’ race or socioeconomic status. These plans coupled with the holistic focus on equitable student outcomes in corequisite models of support serve to foster the conditions necessary for students to succeed. This work will continue and expand to new colleges in 2023.
- The first in-person convening since 2019 of the ILEA community-at-large for our annual ILEA Summit took place last month at the College of DuPage. Nearly 200 colleagues came together to learn, network, and reorient themselves to the goals of the Initiative. The energy was palpable and the knowledge sharing from our various presenters from Illinois and across the country, illustrated once again the power of peer-based learning and the importance of community. See event photos here.
- This November, our Community Conversations for Equitable Public University Funding kicked off with a gathering of students, advocates, and leaders at the Lawndale Christian Conference Center in Chicago and the Lincoln Library in Springfield. These events are designed to bring stakeholders together to learn about the impact of Illinois’ current approach to funding public universities on Illinois students, families, and communities and build the Coalition of supporters who will take action across the state to ensure Illinois adopts the first equity and adequacy-based funding formula in the country. See event photos here and stay tuned for additional events in 2023.
- This year, the legislature passed a bill requiring equity plans for all public two-year and four-year institutions, building on the groundbreaking equity work PCC has supported at 25 institutions through the Illinois Equity in Attainment Initiative since 2018. See ILEA Equity Plans here.
PCC is building a new model for what can be achieved when an organization uses the twin levers of state policy and technical support to colleges and universities – driven by data and research – to change our education systems. Will you consider making a year-end gift to support us in building a national model for higher education equity? Through January 2023, your contribution will be matched dollar for dollar by one of our generous supporters.
We wish you a safe, healthy, and happy New Year and are eager to continue working alongside you in advancing equity in higher education access and attainment in 2023!
In partnership for equity,
Lisa Castillo Richmond, Executive Director
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