#United States #Chicago #Community College #University of Illinois #One Million Degrees

Bridging the Transfer Gap in Illinois: A New Initiative

In an effort to increase the number of community college students who transition successfully to four-year universities, One Million Degrees (OMD) has joined forces with the University of Illinois System. This collaboration marks a significant step toward providing comprehensive support aimed at first-generation students throughout Illinois.

Addressing the Transfer Challenge

The initiative, which is set to be rolled out as a pilot program, aims to facilitate the transfer process for low-income community college students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in high-demand fields. Current statistics reveal a disconnection: while a vast majority of students entering community colleges aspire to earn a bachelor's degree, the reality is that only about a third make the transition to a four-year institution. The goal of this new effort is to address this gap and enable more students to succeed.

Tim Killeen, the president of the University of Illinois System, emphasized the importance of ensuring accessible pathways for all students. He noted, “Fulfilling the promise of college access and degree completion requires strong, accessible transfer pathways.” The program intends to enhance the existing infrastructure, which includes initiatives like the Illinois Articulation Initiative, focused on simplifying credit transfers, alongside tools such as iTransfer, which assists in identifying equivalent courses across campuses.

A Holistic Approach

OMD is well-established in its mission to improve college outcomes through its evidence-based model, which significantly boosts student persistence and retention. The organization offers a range of services, including academic coaching, financial assistance, and career services. By partnering with the University of Illinois, they aim to provide a more robust support system for students navigating their path from community colleges to the university environment.

Josh Hoen, interim CEO of One Million Degrees, shared insights on the pivotal role of transferring in promoting economic mobility. He stated, “Transferring from community college to a four-year university is one of the most powerful strategies we know for advancing multigenerational upward mobility.” The partnership presents a transformational opportunity, ensuring that when students invest in their education, they can anticipate a promising return in terms of career prospects.

Launching the Pilot Program

The pilot program will cater to 240 students, split into two cohorts. The initial phase will enlist community college partners from across Illinois, with the first group commencing in the spring of 2026 and the second in spring 2027. Throughout the four-year span of this initiative, continuous assessment will be conducted to evaluate effectiveness and scalability, with aims to broaden the program to include additional community colleges.

Conclusion

The collaboration between One Million Degrees and the University of Illinois System embodies a dedicated effort to not only enhance educational access but also to empower students to achieve their professional goals. By integrating support mechanisms and fostering higher transfer rates, this initiative is poised to make a lasting impact on Illinois’ workforce and beyond, addressing the critical challenge of accessibility in higher education.

This partnership underscores the vital relationship between education and economic opportunity, paving the way for a brighter future for aspiring students.