College & Career Pathways
CCP-20240711
Bridges to Postsecondary
B2P-20240711
Data Impact & Leadership
DIAL-20240711

Creating clear, unambiguous paths to college and career opportunities

Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University (EdSystems) is a mission-driven policy development and program implementation center. We foster collaborative partnerships to design, implement, and evaluate policies and practices that ensure successful transitions to and through postsecondary and career opportunities for students, with a particular emphasis on historically marginalized populations. 

Planting Seeds for Success: Middle School Career Exploration

Many people assume middle school students are too young for career exploration, but by encouraging self-discovery and exploring real-world challenges, we can help these young people pursue their futures. Here are key considerations for work-based learning in middle school.

Executive Director Kyle Westbrook, PhD Joins the Thrive Leaders Network

Supported by The Kresge Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the network connects national education leaders dedicated to equity and student success. This recognition underscores Dr. Westbrook’s exceptional leadership in advancing education systems and policies.

Illinois Students on PaCE to Thrive

The Illinois Postsecondary and Career Expectations (PaCE) framework, which empowers districts and students by guiding quality college and career advising and development, is a model for the nation. Here’s why.

Join us for the Illinois Education and Career Success Network Policy Committee's next quarterly convening as we focus on new and emerging education and career policy efforts.
Join the I-WIN community on December 17, 2024, to discuss systems and processes to support work-based learning holistically.