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Why Does Chicago State University need $4 million

 for new and endowed scholarships?

According to the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education (The Center), the U.S. workforce is becoming more diverse with racial/ethnic minority groups being the least educated and the fastest growing.

The Center reports that educational and income level of the Illinois workforce is projected to decline over the next two decades, unless the state can increase the number of African American and Hispanic/Latino students attending college and earning degrees. The proportion of whites in the Illinois workforce, particularly those under age 45, is declining rapidly, while the proportion of other racial/ethnic groups is projected to reach 36% by 2020. 

Also, since 2000, Illinois has dropped from an “A” to a “D” in college affordability, according to Measuring Up 2004: The State-by-State Report Card for Higher Education issued by The Center.  In addition, the maximum federal Pell Grant award has fallen considerably as a percentage of the cost of attendance. In the 1975-76 academic year, the Pell grant covered 84% of public four-year costs; in the 1999-2000 academic year it covered 39%. 

If these educational gaps continue, both the percentage of the workforce with a college degree, and the income of state residents, is projected to decline by 2020.

As an institution at which 79% of the more than 7,200 students are African American and 7% are Hispanic/Latino, Chicago State University has a critical role in educating minority groups. The publication Diverse Issues in Higher Education consistently includes Chicago State among the top 4% nationally for awarding baccalaureate and master's degrees to minority students. In addition, in 2004, Chicago State launched an Honors College program to better meet the needs of high achieving students. Enrollment almost doubled in the second year.

With 90% of all Chicago State University students receiving some form of financial aid, scholarships are critical for recruiting and retaining students who move to a timely graduation. 

Why does Chicago State University need $4 million

 to upgrade its facilities and technology?

State-of-the art equipment ensures that student learn skills on technology they will use in the workforce. It also promotes inquiry-based learning, assists with retaining and recruiting reputable, research-oriented faculty, and enriches the teaching and learning process.

The Illinois General Assembly has approved more than $100 million in capital projects on the Chicago State University campus. This includes a new state-of-the art library, a convocation center that is named in honor of Senate President Emil Jones Jr. and his late wife, CSU alumna, Patricia; a student financial aid outreach center; a child-care/child development facility; and, building upgrades, including the oldest facility on campus, Robinson University Center. These buildings require new and upgraded technology to ensure that the University maintains its competitive edge.

Chicago State University recently received approval to launch a College of Pharmacy, which will open in Fall 2008. Pharmacy students will continuously need state-of-the-art technology to ensure that they are prepared to succeed in the ever-changing healthcare industry.

Chicago State University has one campus dormitory, which is filled to capacity. In addition, Chicago State University houses several centers for research and scholarly exploration. They include the Minority Biomedical Research Program; the HIV/AIDS Research and Policy Institute; the Frederick Blum Neighborhood Assistance Center and; the Calumet Environmental Resource Center.

With technology rapidly changing our lifestyles and productivity in the workplace, Chicago State University students must have access to technology that meets or exceeds the expectations of the workforce to help guarantee their success.

Why does Chicago State University need $2 million

 to support campus and community engagement?

Students are central to everything we do at Chicago State. They are tomorrow’s leaders of our city, state and nation. Through the education they receive and through opportunities the University provides for personal growth, they are prepared to lead more fulfilled lives and contribute positively to their communities, professions and society as a whole.

Chicago State University is a learning-centered community, committed to student success both on campus and after graduation. We believe that academic programs must be constantly developed, evaluated and renewed to respond to an ever-changing world if we are to continue to provide the outstanding education our students deserve. Classroom study must be supplemented with excellent field experience and research. Opportunities for global education and interdisciplinary collaboration must be expanded.

High-impact commuter and residential student services and programs increase the quality of the student experience: They provide a center of gravity. By keeping a large percentage of people of shared interests within walking distance of the study/student activity areas, it makes the campus more vibrant and makes it easier to organize events and activities that aid the learning process (i.e., arts & culture, workshops and seminars, athletics, lectures).

This is further motivated by the compelling belief that the impact of an institution of higher learning should exceed the narrow confines of its physical setting. CSU is strongly committed to providing various educational and human services to improve the quality of life of all those it touches directly or indirectly.

Support of current and proposed campus and community initiatives ensures that Chicago State University students are capably and ably equipped with a toolkit for success.