Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University (EdSystems) has been awarded a $1.5 million grant by the Pathways Impact Fund, a national initiative of StriveTogether. EdSystems, which develops policies and practices that enhance college and career readiness in Illinois, plans to use the grant to increase the number of students earning Illinois’ College and Career Pathway Endorsement.
“Completing a College and Career Pathway Endorsement requires significant time and effort from students, but without intentional support, many still face barriers to continuing their education,” said Kyle Westbrook, president and CEO of EdSystems. “This investment allows us to use data to identify where gaps exist and work with regional partners to ensure all students can access pathway opportunities and benefit from the scholarships, supports, and connections that endorsement completion should unlock.”
Founded in 2012, EdSystems serves as a critical intermediary, bridging state policy and local practice across Illinois. Together with Advance Illinois and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, EdSystems currently co-leads the Illinois Education and Career Success Network to increase equitable and meaningful postsecondary attainment. The statewide initiative that supports regional school districts, postsecondary institutions, and workforce stakeholder partnerships through its Leadership Communities designation.
Additionally, EdSystems is currently working with districts across Illinois to expand participation in the College and Career Pathway Endorsement, a state-issued credential for students enrolled in an individualized learning plan that integrates academic support, career-focused coursework with early college credit, and work-based learning opportunities. Although the number of districts offering the endorsement has grown fivefold since 2023, student uptake has remained relatively low. With support from StriveTogether’s Pathways Impact Fund, EdSystems will work with three leadership communities to increase student participation in endorsement programs, establish formal moments for students to declare pathway interests, and implement structured reflection tools that help students document their evolving goals.
EdSystems will also support communities in establishing regional data collaboratives that link student outcomes across K-12, postsecondary, and workforce systems, with the goal of identifying which pathway experiences most effectively influence student decision-making and postsecondary success, and ensuring continuous improvement of high-quality pathways.
EdSystems’ award is part of the Pathways Impact Fund’s $7.5 million commitment to regional intermediaries working to scale high-quality pathways across five states. Backed by several of the nation’s largest philanthropies, the Pathways Impact Fund’s strategy focuses on ensuring that more young people have access to high-quality advising, accelerated coursework, and career-connected learning that lead to purposeful pathways and economic mobility.
“EdSystems exemplifies what the Pathways Impact Fund is designed to support: regional leadership that translates state policy into local action,” said John Garcia III, executive director of the Pathways Impact Fund. “By establishing data systems that connect K-12, postsecondary, and workforce outcomes, EdSystems is giving Illinois districts the insights they need to continuously improve pathways and ensure every student graduates with clear routes to meaningful careers and economic mobility.”
To learn more about the Pathways Impact Fund, please visit pathwaysimpactfund.org.
