Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE)
In 2021, the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), in partnership with the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), launched a strategic planning process. A working group composed of representatives from two- and four-year institutions, along with some private partners, developed a comprehensive approach to tackling educational barriers. This effort led to the creation of the Consortium, a key initiative in “A Thriving Illinois,” the state’s higher education strategic plan. The Consortium aligns with the three main agency goals—growth, equity, and sustainability—and has been formally supported through both board endorsements and legislation.
For more information about the Consortium, please visit: https://www.ecace.org/