Illinois Workforce and Education Research Collaborative (IWERC)
IWERC provides data-based analysis to our state’s policy and education leaders’ questions.
Our Mission
Work with community partners across the state to research and co-construct solutions to the most pressing issues in the cradle-to-career, education-to-workforce pipeline.
Our Vision
Illinois education and workforce development organizations have reliable, relevant, actionable research on which to base decisions.
Our Scope
IWERC’s research addresses field-initiated questions from across the state.
Our Approach
IWERC’s approach to research prioritizes equity, forges collaboration with practitioners, and seeks to uncover and extend successful practices.
IWERC complements DPI’s ambitions to improve education and training for in-demand tech jobs as well as conduct applied research.
IWERC sits at the center of both initiatives; it conducts research on early childhood, K-12, and postsecondary education, and examines the intersections of that research with job-readiness.
Modeled on other research-practice partnerships, like the Consortium on School Research at University of Chicago, IWERC’s agenda is driven by stakeholders across Illinois.
IWERC is working with state agencies, school districts, early childhood programs, colleges, workforce development initiatives, and other educational partners to research and solve critical issues.
Funders
IWERC launched in 2020 with $4.3 million in generous support from philanthropic partners. Since that time, IWERC has raised an additional $4.4 million from foundations, federal and state grants, and contracts. As a self-supporting unit at the University, IWERC is grateful for this external funding, which allows IWERC to sustain its impactful, state-focused research agenda. IWERC’s funders are listed below.
Chicago Education Equity COVID-19 Response Fund
Dual Enrollment Research Fund
Illinois Community College Board
Illinois State Board of Education
National Science Foundation
Two Anonymous Funders
Advisory Board
IWERC’s work is overseen by an esteemed advisory board of experts in policy, research, and practice.
Jo Anderson (Chair)
Consortium for Educational Change
David Ardrey
Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools (AIRSS)
Lela Bridges-Webb
Retired Superintendent
Sherly Chavarria
Lloyd A. Fry Foundation
Cynthia Coburn
Northwestern University
John Q. Easton
Northwestern University
Shauna Ejeh
Illinois Action for Children
Judy Erwin
Kivvit
Matt Muench
JP Morgan & Chase Co.
Adrienne Nazon
University of Illinois System
Elliot Regenstein
Foresight Law & Policy
Jesse Ruiz
Vistria Group
Robin Steans
Advance Illinois
Rebecca Vonderlack-Navarro
Latino Policy Forum
Get Involved
- Are you a policymaker or education stakeholder who would like to learn more about our research projects?
- Are you a philanthropist or donor who is interested in supporting our efforts through partnership?