2017 College Changes Everything Conference

Tinley Park Convention Center
Tinley Park, Illinois
July 21, 2017
8 am – 4:30 pm

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Media Release

2017 Conference Photos and Captions

CCE 2017: Equity in College and Career Readiness Initiatives – Ensuring That All Students Are Equipped for Success

As we consider the various student populations that will help our state achieve Goal 2025, it's essential we recognize the different needs and requirements some populations have, as well as the obstacles and barriers they face. We must review policies, practices, and systems to ensure they include a pro-equity perspective and address the root causes of any inequities. In addition, we need to look at how we can reduce or eliminate opportunity gaps to improve outcomes for underrepresented students – including, but not limited to, low-income students, first-generation students, minority students, students with special needs, working adults, and laid-off adults – and how we can engage all students in ways that are inclusive, culturally responsive, and socially just. This year's conference provides the occasion to further examine our shared responsibility to ensure that we integrate and implement pro-equity practices in how we deliver the myriad of college access and success and career readiness efforts assisting students in our state. Our success as a state depends upon all students having the opportunities to reach their fullest potential.

Morning Keynote Speaker

Dr. Kyle A. Reyes, Special Assistant to the President for Inclusion at Utah Valley University (UVU), will deliver keynote remarks and share his experience and work in supporting success for all students. In his current role as UVU’s Chief Diversity Officer, Dr. Reyes leads UVU’s Strategic Inclusion plan comprised of nearly 40 initiatives focused on making UVU a more inclusive and equitable campus. Dr. Reyes is also an Assistant Professor of Education at UVU and teaches courses in Multicultural Education, ESL Methods and Family & Community Partnerships. His research focuses on conditions for underrepresented student success throughout P-20 educational institutions. He is in his 15th year at UVU and has spent the majority of his career in programs and services for underserved students. Dr. Reyes will deliver remarks regarding developing the lenses to champion all students, as well as a breakout session on effective collaboration for equity – family and community partner.

Agenda and Conference Session Presentations

Conference agenda information and presentations from interest sessions are found below. Breakout sessions were presented by state and national leaders and provided purposeful information and engage the audience in the critical issues we face, such as: student support services, retention, remediation, college readiness, career development, after school programs, support systems for undocumented students, students with disabilities, nontraditional students, and more.

Check website later as additional interest session presentations and materials are continuing to be added.

Agenda

General Session Presentations

Interest Sessions

Who Attends
One of the strengths of this conference is that it brings together a diverse audience from across the state for a day of dialogue and sharing information, ideas, and best practices that promote access to postsecondary education, ensure degree or credential attainment, and provide career pathways. The conference also serves as an opportunity for stakeholders to improve their practice of collaboration and collective leadership as we work toward the state’s goal.  Attendees typically include, but are not limited to:

  • high school leaders, counselors, and case managers
  • college access practitioners
  • college and university leaders and administrators
  • leaders from state agencies, non-profits, foundations, and community-based organizations focused on educational opportunity and attainment and career pathways
  • business leaders
  • policymakers and elected officials interested in higher education and workforce development

The conference also serves as an opportunity for participants to renew existing relationships and develop new ones while improving collective leadership as we work toward Goal 2025.

Questions about the conference can be directed to: isac.collegechangeseverything@isac.illinois.gov

Tinley Park Convention Center

The Tinley Park Convention Center is located just 30 miles from downtown Chicago at 18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477.

2017 College Changes Everything Planning Committee

  • Illinois Student Assistance Commission
  • Illinois Board of Higher Education
  • Illinois Community College Board
  • Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
  • Illinois State Board of Education
  • Illinois College Access Network
  • Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities
  • Advance Illinois
  • Center for the Study of Education Policy at Illinois State University
  • Council for Adult and Experiential Learning
  • Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University
  • Generations Serving Generations
  • ACT Now
  • Women Employed

The College Changes Everything Conference is sponsored by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.