About Us

Context

Founded in 2012, Education Systems Center (EdSystems) is a mission-driven policy development and program implementation center within Northern Illinois University. Our geographic focus is Illinois, while also working with national and international partners. We collaborate at the state level to create ecosystem and policy change while simultaneously partnering at the local level to create organizational change. Our unique bi-directional approach allows EdSystems to align local efforts to state policy while elevating local experiences and learnings to state tables.

Together with our strategic partners, we advance a shared vision for equitable educational and career success through our three focus areas: College and Career Pathways, Bridges to Postsecondary, and Data Impact and Leadership.

Mission

EdSystems fosters 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.

Vision

EdSystems helps create a world where students have clear, unambiguous paths to college and career opportunities that equip them for meaningful participation in the global economy.

Our Theory of Change

Recognizing the persistent challenges faced by marginalized student populations, our theory of change aims to catalyze systemic transformation and operationalize our commitment to equitable student outcomes.

Strategies

Partner with school districts and community colleges and state agencies to design and support implementation of evidence-based and innovative approaches to ensuring seamless transitions for students.
Facilitate community networks and partnerships in support of achieving community-driven postsecondary and career attainment goals.
Create and sustain data systems for rigorous analysis of outcomes and program evaluation in support of community goals.
Support development of local and state policies aimed at supporting student success.
Design, pilot, and scale practices that will support students’ college and career success.

Outcomes

High schools, community colleges, and four-year universities implement aligned, seamless college and career pathways, increasing postsecondary attainment and career success for learners, particularly for historically marginalized populations.
Community partnerships are developed in support of student success.
State agencies and researchers have access to longitudinal data to assess impact and chart course corrections.
Programs and policies are subjected to continuous improvement cycles aimed at maximizing positive student outcomes.
Innovative practices aimed at creating seamless transitions and student success are understood and positioned for scaling.