Transforming Access: Strategies & Stories for Black Student Success

CSU's Illinois Center for Education Equity Presents “Transforming Access: Strategies & Stories for Black Student Success in Illinois Higher Education”

Join us for our second annual equity conference dedicated to exploring effective interventions and sharing impactful personal narratives that enhance higher education access for Black students across Illinois’ public institutions. From college affordability, the FAFSA, and the one-year anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision to remove Affirmative Action policies, it is our charge to maintain an intentional focus on innovative strategies to address college affordability, persistence, and graduation outcomes. To further institutional accountability, we work actively to address race-conscious strategies and prioritize what’s necessary to improve equity for Black students across the state.

Panel Descriptions:

• National Policy: An intentional review of college affordability gaps and the federal/state policies that impact access, enrollment, and graduation.
• Student Panel: Personal narratives focused on the efficacy of summer bridge and early start programming on improving Black student outcomes.
• Dual Enrollment: A dialogue centering the transformative potential of earning college credit during high school and preparing students for college success.
• Workforce Innovation: Explore the critical connection between college retention efforts and successful workforce entry and development for students and graduates.
• Whether you are an educator, student, administrator, policymaker, or advocate, this conference will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to drive positive change in the public higher education space and beyond. Together, we will work towards a more equitable and inclusive future for Black students in higher education.

This event brings together a phenomenal group of students with diverse experiences and esteemed experts across various sectors to discuss and disseminate promising practices on equitable access strategies. Attendees will gain valuable insights into innovative approaches that have proven successful in supporting Black students' academic and professional journeys.

Highlights:

• Expert presentations on effective strategies for Black student success
• Personal narratives from students related to barriers and success strategies
• Presentations on current issues, policy solutions, and sustainable strategies
• Networking opportunities with students and leaders in higher education equity
• Actionable insights to enhance Black student access and support

The Illinois Center for Equity in Education is dedicated to addressing the state's crisis in connecting Black communities to higher education. Through research, policy development, and practice, we aim to bridge the equity gap for Black students in Illinois. This initiative convenes diverse stakeholders, including employers, educational institutions, legislators, philanthropy, and community organizations, to collect data, release research, and identify effective policies and practices.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Gwendolyn Brooks Library, Gwendolyn Brooks Library, Chicago, United States