Welcome to the I-CHANGE Lab
PI: Dr. Jasmine D. Collins

The I-CHANGE Lab at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Challenges Higher education to Address the Needs of contemporary society through leadership Growth and a commitment to Equity.

THE I-CHANGE LAB is directed by Principal Investigator Jasmine D. Collins. The work of the lab is based on the premise that higher education has the power to radically transform lives and communities. Postsecondary degree attainment is correlated with higher median earnings, better health, increased civic participation, and improved leadership capacity. In addition to these quality-of-life privileges, postsecondary degrees and credentials represent today’s ticket into the workforce–signaling an inextricable link between higher education and the economic stability of individuals, families, and communities. Unfortunately, persistent gaps in educational opportunity and attainment in the United States exacerbate longstanding social and economic disparities, calling into question the ability of higher education to meet the ever-changing needs of today’s society. Thus, two fundamental questions guide the work of the I-CHANGE Lab: 1.) What are the policies, practices, and interventions that promote higher education access, equity, and success for underserved and underrepresented populations in higher education? 2.) In what ways can higher education serve as a tool for reducing social inequality?

In conjunction with the work of the I-CHANGE Lab, Dr. Collins engages in research, teaching, service, and advocacy toward the goal of preparing leaders to cultivate a more equitable and just society.