Event Welcomes Students to Campus and Highlights Increased Funding in Higher Education
URBANA — Today, Governor JB Pritzker visited the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) to welcome students back for a new school year. He was joined by state officials, Chancellor Robert Jones, students, and faculty to celebrate the back-to-school season and wish students, teachers, and families across Illinois a successful year ahead.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Emphasized
The event at UIUC aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education. Governor Pritzker’s commitment to making higher education more affordable for every Illinoisan reflects the SDGs’ aim to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
Governor Pritzker’s Efforts in Higher Education Affordability
“It’s been my mission as governor to make higher education more affordable for every Illinoisan, no matter their background. And I couldn’t be prouder to say we’re doing exactly that,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “By restoring public funding directly to our universities, we’re eliminating the need for major tuition hikes, so students know what to expect semester after semester.”
During the event, Governor Pritzker shared his administration’s recent FY24 budget investments to improve college affordability. This includes increasing funding for the Monetary Award Program (MAP) to an all-time high, ensuring awards for all eligible applicants. With these new investments, every student at or below median income will be able to attend community college for free in Illinois. The budget also included an additional $115 million to in-state scholarship funding, bringing the total amount to a record-breaking $750 million.
Governor Pritzker also highlighted notable investments that will directly impact students attending institutions within the University of Illinois system, including a total state investment of $632 million ($41 million more than FY23). Other public universities across Illinois will also see funding increases, as the investments for higher education institutions grew by 7%, the largest increase in more than 20 years.
The Pritzker Administration is also investing in higher education infrastructure through the historic Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan. Campuses across Illinois will see nearly $2.8 billion dedicated to public universities and community colleges. The U of I system specifically will receive $504 million of those allocated funds.
Upcoming Renovation Projects at UIUC
- New science and data analysis research facilities to support the Department of Mathematics and Statistics
- Repairs to lab infrastructure, including masonry and chimneys at Wohler Hall, Madigan Laboratory, and Noyes Laboratory
- Replacement of approximately 11,000 square feet of roofing on the Armory building
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
As affirmative action in higher education takes a national spotlight following June’s Supreme Court decision, Governor Pritzker ensured students of his intentions to support diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in Illinois.
“Here in the Land of Lincoln, our institutions will continue to be inclusive of all students, including those who have been historically left out of or locked out of postsecondary education,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “To every single student: you are among the best of the best. And as your Governor, I’ll continue to have your back. I can’t wait to see all that you will accomplish.”
*See Attached Photograph
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.1 By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes | – Increased funding for higher education to make it more affordable for every Illinoisan – Eliminating the need for major tuition hikes – Increasing funding for the Monetary Award Program (MAP) to an all-time high – Ensuring awards for all eligible applicants – Every student at or below median income will be able to attend community college for free in Illinois |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.3 By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university | – Increasing funding for higher education institutions by 7%, the largest increase in more than 20 years – Notable investments that will directly impact students attending institutions within the University of Illinois system |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all | – Investing in higher education infrastructure through the historic Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan – Nearly $2.8 billion dedicated to public universities and community colleges in Illinois – $504 million allocated funds for the University of Illinois system |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | – Supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in Illinois higher education institutions |
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Source: illinois.gov
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