Transfer Drive partnership supports Parkland students
Parkland College recently partnered with the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) as part of the University of Illinois System’s Transfer Drive program.
This program provides a full range of support for income-eligible students transferring to its three universities from select Illinois community colleges. The program will feature specialized sessions focused on academics, career, transfer, peer mentors, early connection to the U of I System, direct access to a dedicated transfer coordinator, and up to $2,000 performance-based financial assistance to assist college expenses.
Students enrolled in Transfer Drive will plan to transfer to UIS with at least one but no more than two years remaining at Parkland College. Students in the program must demonstrate financial need, maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher, and have an interest in transferring to UIS by fall 2027 or fall 2028.
The Transfer Drive will remain in effect through June 30, 2029.
"We know our students can succeed at a four-year university," Parkland Dean of Enrollment Kristin Smigielski said. "Our job is to make sure the pathway to get there is as clear and supportive as possible."
The University of Illinois Chicago is partnering with Harold Washington College, part of City Colleges of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is partnering with Elgin Community College.
Each partnership will connect students with a dedicated transfer coordinator and milestone-based help with expenses. Research shows services like these can double graduation rates for low-income students. All three system universities offer programs covering tuition and fees for eligible Illinois families earning up to $75,000 annually.
"Transfer Drive allows our future students to navigate potential hurdles and focus their energies on the pursuit of academic success during and after their community college experience," U of I System President Tim Killeen said. "Growing our partnerships that support economic mobility is one more way the U of I System ensures that Illinois students have access to an affordable world-class education."
The U of I System is partnering with One Million Degrees, a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to community college student success, to offer Transfer Drive support and services.
This content is sourced from
Parkland College
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