Publications

The Illinois Center for Education Equity is dedicated to addressing the state’s crisis in connecting Black communities to higher education. We use research and data to highlight the factors shaping racial and socioeconomic disparities in college access and completion, sharing findings through reports, policy briefs, and one-pagers that offer actionable recommendations to bridge the equity gap for Black students in Illinois.

Transforming Access: Strategies & Stories for Black Student Success The Illinois Center for Education Equity hosted a day conference in Fall 2024 focused on transforming access for Black students in Illinois higher education. Convening a wide assortment of attendees, including students, community- and faith-based groups, K-12 practitioners, and policymakers, the conference discussed access gaps in Illinois and uplifting strategies for transforming access to higher education. Read the Report

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Three Ways to Advance Dual Enrollment and Close College Attainment Gaps Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to earn college course credit. Research clearly shows that dual enrollment programs work to advance students and improve degree attainment. In Illinois, 79% of dual enrollment students enrolled in either a community college or a bachelor’s degree program within a year of high school graduation. Four years after high school, dual enrollment students obtained higher bachelor’s degree completion rates than their non-dual peers (39% vs. 34%). Read the Report

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First-Year Experience Programs: Speaking Truth to the Student Experience Amid ongoing deficits caused by structural racism and disinvestment in communities, we are privileged to work with students who demonstrate how asset-based planning can lead to positive outcomes. A panel of students from three Illinois institutions shared their experience participating in programs to support their transition into college on October 22, 2024, during the Illinois Center for Education Equity Conference. Read the Report

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The Next Generation’s Perspective on Higher Education In Illinois, college enrollment among Black students declined by 37% since 2011. Previous efforts, such as CSU’s Equity Working Group and student roundtables, identified gaps in postsecondary planning. Chicago State University explored how prospective African American students perceive the value and accessibility of higher education—and what factors influence their decisions to enroll or not enroll in college. This study engaged more than 200 predominantly Black prospective college students 16 – 24-year-olds who in Chicago through surveys and focus groups. Read the Report

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Time for a New Roadmap: 2025 Conference Recap On November 10, 2025, education leaders, students, advocates, and practitioners gathered at Chicago State University (CSU) for the Illinois Center for Education Equity’s (CEE) third annual convening, Time for a New Roadmap. The conference surfaced urgent challenges, emerging opportunities, and a shared call to action. Read the Report