About Us

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 marginalized student populations face, our theory of change aims to catalyze systemic transformation and operationalize our commitment to equitable student outcomes.

1
Problem
Students from marginalized communities benefit most from clear, aligned systems of support. Yet, inadequate data and resources have been devoted to aligning those systems and ensuring every student has a clear path toward postsecondary and career success.
2
Strategies
  • Partner with school districts, community colleges, and state agencies to design and support the implementation of evidence-based and innovative approaches to ensuring seamless student transitions.
  • Facilitate community networks and partnerships to achieve community-driven postsecondary and career attainment goals.
  • Create and sustain data systems for rigorous outcomes analyses and program evaluations to support community goals.
  • Support the development of local and state policies aimed at supporting student success.
  • Design, pilot, and scale practices that will support students’ college and career success.
3
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 undergo continuous improvement cycles to maximize positive student outcomes.
  • Innovative practices aimed at creating seamless transitions and student success are understood and positioned for scaling.
Explore Our Work
Creating clear, unambiguous paths to college and career opportunities

Find

Subscribe

Receive newsletters and invitations



Linkedin Youtube Envelope
Logo: Northern Illinois University Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development

© 2025 Board of Trustees of Northern Illinois University. All rights reserved.