An initiative in the Department of Education Policy, Organization & Leadership, OCCRL uses research and evaluation at Illinois to improve policies, programs, and practices that enhance community college education and equity for all learners. |
Blogs
Network News Newsletter
OCCRL has created many podcasts over the years highlighting the expertise and experiences of students, scholars, and practitioners in the P-20 education field. Discover the numerous Democracy’s College, Student Spotlight, and Scholarly Personal Narratives podcasts that promote educational equity, justice, and excellence for all students.
Fall 2023 UPDATE on Research and Leadership - "Equity in Uncertain Times"
Read the individual articles from the Fall 2023 issue:
- Understanding SFAA v. Harvard and the Potential Impact on Community Colleges
- Improving and Ensuring Transfer is a Matter of Equity
- Reforming Developmental Education in Illinois
- Creating Opportunities: The Role of Community Colleges in Empowering Student Parents
Meet Sarah Rodriguez
"My experiences at Trinity Valley Community College set in motion my current career as an associate professor of engineering education at Virginia Tech, where I have an active research agenda focused on the promise of community colleges as transformative pathways for STEM students. I am forever indebted to my home community college."
Meet Stacey Robinson
"My fiancée was pregnant and told me that she wouldn’t marry a man without an education. It was the perfect opportunity to enter higher education again."
Meet Marissa Vasquez
"I knew college was important but lacked the specific guidance to navigate the education system on my own."
Meet Andy Woods
"I would love to combat the stigma that junior college isn't a worthy option for the first two years of college."