Looking Ahead to the 104th Illinois General Assembly
Preview the key education policy topics we’re monitoring as the 104th Illinois General Assembly kicks off and new legislative priorities take shape.
January 14, 2025
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.
Preview the key education policy topics we’re monitoring as the 104th Illinois General Assembly kicks off and new legislative priorities take shape.
This case study explores how the CareerSpark career exploration model fosters helps students visualize potential career paths and gain insights into regional industries, and facilitates active collaboration between employers, schools, and community-based organizations to navigate recruitment and logistics for the event.
Middle school career exploration programs are designed to introduce young students to a wide range of careers and professional pathways at an early stage. In a new article, we consider the inherent risks of exposing students to career options at an early age and recommend key considerations for designing equitable work-based learning for middle grade students.
Utilizing data to inform policy and programs designs is essential to EdSystems’ mission. Learn about our data principles, vision, and equity-centered approach.
In 2024, the Illinois Education and Career Success Network supported Leadership Communities, launched innovative data tools, and advanced equitable education and career pathways for Illinois students. Explore more key highlights in this year in review.
Learn about community insights on navigating employer partnerships, including growing employer partnerships, balancing paid vs. unpaid internships, and aligning student interests with industry needs.
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