The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) released a new strategic plan for higher education institutions across the state. The plan, which passed with unanimous support from the board, was developed in cooperation with the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). A Thriving Illinois: Educational Paths to Equity, Sustainability and Growth is the product of a 9-month stakeholder engagement process and is designed to address systemic inequities that have affected Illinois’ postsecondary outcomes, the needs of the state’s economy, and postsecondary attainment. After holding focus groups and organizing a 10,000-respondent survey, the IBHE board outlined three key goals for the state’s higher education community:

• GOAL 1: Equity. Strategies will close the equity gaps for students who have been left behind. The plan outlines strategies to close equity gaps that disproportionally impact Black, Latinx, and other students of color, low-income students, working adults, and students from rural communities. Stakeholders designed directives to close gaps in enrollment, retention, advancement, and completion rates for diverse and disconnected learners.

• GOAL 2: Sustainability. Strategies will build a stronger financial future. Addressing financial sustainability for both individual and higher education institutions, the plan recommends an expanded Monetary Award Program (MAP) and increased investment through a new equitable, stable, and sufficient higher education funding system.

• GOAL 3: Growth. Strategies aim to increase talent and innovation to drive economic growth. The plan calls for tighter alignment between educational institutions and centers for entrepreneurship and innovation to build a future-ready workforce. A new statewide Business and Employer Advisory Council will partner with higher education to strengthen pipelines of learners ready to engage an evolving economy.

The full plan can be read at www.ibhe.org.