In Woodlawn, State Tour participants saw how Cover Crops for a Cause boosts soil health and fights food insecurity. With the stop's hosts, system leaders also harvested turnips and explored ways to expand the program across Illinois.

Our engaged alumni in the Metro East continually add value through their suggestions, support, and spirit. From lifelong learning to advocating for higher education resources, partnering with alumni broadens our reach and scales our investment to the area.

A leader in EV, Rivian partners with the U of I System, Heartland Community College, and the Illinois Innovation Network to strengthen the talent pipeline. We appreciated the opportunity to look under the hood (literally) at the nuts, bolts, and volts that make these cars go!

We engaged with University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria students who shared their experiences providing healthcare in underserved areas of both the United States and Brazil through our Brasillinois partnership, one of many essential global collaborations.

At the Peoria Riverfront Museum, we celebrated alumni achievements and the system's partnership with Caterpillar. The palpable energy of the reception underscored the ongoing positive impact of University of Illinois System alumni in community leadership and global reach.

We connected with leaders at Ottawa Township High School and Illinois Valley Community College about how collaboration expands access to higher education, through seamless partnerships and creating stronger pathways for Illinois students.

At P&P Industries, system leaders joined with partners from the Illinois Manufacturers' Association and IMEC, the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, to convey one powerful message. When higher education and industry work hand in hand, Illinois moves forward together.

In Rockford, alumni and industry leaders explored new ways to keep great job opportunities here in Illinois. Framed by the system's $24.9B annual economic impact, the evening highlighted how research, workforce development, and partnership fuel a thriving state economy.

At UL Solutions in Northbrook, the system and Discovery Partners Institute shared ideas for new ways to expand Illinois' tech workforce. UL Solutions supports apprentices working toward competitive positions in the state's growing economy.

Ties between a Chicago school and higher education grew even stronger when we visited DRW College Prep. A student-led tour reminded all in attendance of one shared goal: expanding access and opportunity for every learner in Illinois.

Developments in AI and the future of the workforce were focal points at our Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce tour stop. The panel entertained attendees as each leader shared how their campuses are helping students graduate with AI resources in their skills toolbox.