CTHEF
Through our advocacy, we work to ensure that higher education in Illinois is accessible and affordable for Illinois students.
The Coalition for Transforming Higher Education funding believes that if we advance a public university funding model that prioritizes racial and socioeconomic equity, then we will see statewide increases in higher education equity; through better-resourced institutions serving more representative student populations, more resources directed to colleges serving Black, Latinx, low-income, rural and first generation college students, and increased investment in higher education.
Through our advocacy, we work to ensure that higher education in Illinois is accessible and affordable for Illinois students.
Illinois has experienced a significant disinvestment in higher education through the years, impacting Black, Latinx, and students of low-income backgrounds the most. After years of advocacy by higher education advocates, the Illinois General Assembly passed Senate Bill 815 in 2021 creating the Commission on Equitable Public University Funding to recommend at a minimum “specific data-driven criteria and approaches to the General Assembly to adequately, equitably, and stably fund public universities in this State and to evaluate existing funding methods.”
In response to the growing need to rally higher education funding equity champions, the Coalition for Transforming Higher Education Funding was formed. Our efforts include ensuring financial support is offered directly to students through grants such as the Monetary Award Program (MAP) and that institutions in Illinois are provided with the resources needed to meet the needs of the whole student.
The Coalition convenes monthly to discuss how we can ensure equity in public university funding and mobilizes stakeholders to advocate with us throughout the state.
Members of the Coalition for Transforming Higher Education believe a New Public University Funding Model for Illinois’ public universities must include these guiding principles:
Be student driven and student-centered
Prioritize equity to drive transformation in access and opportunity
Cultivate a healthy, diverse and stable higher education system
Adequately fund institutions to meet diverse student needs
There are a number of ways you can get involved with the Coalition for Transforming Higher Education Funding. Start today by signing up to attend a Coalition meeting! At these monthly meetings, you’ll join other advocates in learning the latest on the state’s work on public university funding and find out ways to start taking actions in support of an adequate, equitable and stable funding system for Illinois’ public universities.
The Coalition for Transforming Higher Education Funding has brought together students, advocates, legislative leaders, and university faculty and staff for listening sessions throughout Illinois to discuss the Adequate and Equitable...
ViewTo learn more about joining our Coalition, please reach out to Community Engagement Manager Sonianne Lozada at Sonianne@Partnershipfcc.org for more information.
