Introduction

Through advocacy and analysis, the Latino Policy Forum builds a foundation for equity, justice, and economic prosperity for the Latino community. By catalyzing policy change, the Forum works to improve education outcomes, advocate for affordable housing, promote just immigration policies, and strengthen community leadership.

Latinos are a vibrant and increasingly significant community in Illinois that despite the challenges many in our community face —particularly in accessing affordable housing and education and in navigating a failed federal immigration system— we find a way to prosper and uplift our state. After Whites, Latinos are the largest racial group, and from 2010 to 2020, our numbers in Illinois grew from 16% to 18% of the total population.... Continue Reading

By Brian Herrera & Aylainah Garibay

Across the nation, urban school districts with racially diverse student bodies like Chicago’s are working to advance educational equity. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has implemented several innovative programs and made investments designed to boost the achievement of all students. On March 19, 2024 at Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy, CPS CEO Pedro Martinez addressed the Council of Multilingual Parents, a volunteer group of immigrant and refugee parents, and the Latino Policy Forum to highlight the astounding progress of the Latino and English Learner students, who account for 46.9% of students in CPS.

CEO Martinez shared details about strategies and investments the district is currently implementing to... Continue Reading

Illinois Latino College Landscape Study Webinar

In 2019, less than 20% of Latino adults 25 years and older had a 2- or 4-year college degree, the lowest educational attainment among all racial/ethnic groups. The Latino Policy Forum will work to address systemic issues to address this disparity.

To better understand the educational attainment disparity, the Latino Policy Forum initiated the Illinois Latino College Landscape Study in partnership with the Illinois Workforce and Education Research Collaborative (IWERC).

On May 9, 2023, the Forum and IWERC conducted a webinar on the factors that influence Latinos' college preparation, enrollment, retention, and completion and the status of Latinos along this pathway. Please find the recording of the webinar,... Continue Reading