FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2024
Contact: Emma Bittner
(972) 510-3395 | Emma.Bittner@younginvincibles.org
Students Provide Critical Perspective On Higher Education Funding Bill
(Champaign, IL) – Yesterday, current and former students, along with young Illinoisans, convened at the at The Time Is Now: Equitably Funding Our Public Universities to discuss SB 3965, the Adequate and Equitable Funding Formula for Public Universities Act.
Hosted in partnership with the Coalition for Transforming Higher Education and Rep. Carol Ammons, who is supporting similar legislation in the House, the event featured a panel discussion with former and current students from Illinois public universities. Dozens of young adults showed up to voice their opinions and concerns on how public universities in Illinois are funded.
These perspectives are crucial to inform and influence equitable policies that will directly impact young adults.
In response, Erick Deshaun Dorris, Midwest Regional Director at Young Invincibles said:
“The current state of Illinois higher education is failing both current and future students, making it imperative to fund public universities in ways that fully support students and their needs. It is essential that student voices are heard and represented in this legislation. Access to affordable higher education is critical for every young adult seeking economic security and success. We are honored to have young adults share their concerns and vision for an equitable future in Illinois higher education. SB 3965 presents a pivotal opportunity to ensure our investment in higher education aligns with what young Illinoisans need to not only survive but thrive. Hearing directly from young Illinoisans and students about what they need to succeed is essential to creating legislation that effectively serves the young people it is intended to support.”
In response, Representative Carol Ammons, District 103 said:
“Hearing from young adults and current students about the potential impact of this legislation was an eye-opening experience, and I am deeply grateful to all the young people who shared their concerns and insights. Student voices must be central in decision-making on issues that impact them most. It is essential for young adults, especially current and future college students, to understand how Illinois’ colleges and universities are funded and to advocate for equitable support and services across all institutions. I am excited to continue working alongside young adults to shape this legislation so it best serves the students it will directly impact.”
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About Young Invincibles
Young Invincibles (YI) is a national advocacy organization with offices across the country, including California, Colorado, Texas, Illinois, and New York. YI champions young adults ages 18 to 34 by uplifting their voices and advocating in support of policies that advance young people at the state and federal level. YI informs their advocacy work with quantitative research on issues of higher education, health care, economic security, and civic engagement. For more information, please contact Emma Bittner at (972) 510-3395 or emma.bittner@younginvincibles.org
About the Coalition for Transforming Higher Education Funding
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. For more information, visit transformhigheredil.org