We re-imagined the annual Illinois 60 by 25 Network Conference for 2021, Forward Together – Navigating Uncertainty and Advancing to 60% by 2025. We offered the high-quality conference content you have counted on since 2014 over four days, February 22–25, 2021, at no cost to attendees. 

Sessions Archive

Playlist

24 Videos
Session Overview

A Conversation with State Education Leaders on the Impact of COVID-19 and Reaching 60% Postsecondary Attainment by 2025

The opening plenary will feature:

Juliana Stratton
Lieutenant Governor of Illinois
Dr. Carmen Ayala
State Superintendent of Education, Illinois State Board of Education
Dr. Brian Durham 
Executive Director of the Illinois Community College Board
Ginger Ostro 
Executive Director of the Illinois Board of Higher Education
Eric Zarnikow 
Executive Director of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission

Opening remarks will be offered from Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, whose portfolio includes leading the Justice, Equity and Opportunity Initiative, and chairing the Illinois Council on Women and Girls, the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council, the Military Economic Development Council, and the Illinois River Coordinating Council. As a lifelong advocate for youth and creating safe spaces for our young people, the Lieutenant Governor’s remarks will highlight the importance of closing equity gaps for Illinois’ future.

Jonathan Furr, Executive Director of Education Systems Center at NIU, will host a conversation about how each of the State education agencies has shifted their work to better support students across the P-20 system in light of COVID-19. They will also discuss how they are implementing equity-focused plans developed in 2020 to ensure that Illinois continues to make progress as we work towards our 60% by 2025 postsecondary attainment goal.

In addition, the Illinois 60 by 25 Network Organizers will provide an overview of the Network, including current activities and future plans. If you’re a first-time attendee, this will help orient you to the Network. For returning attendees, don’t miss the Network updates!

Session Resources