2026 CCE Conference – Keynote Announcement & Preliminary Agenda

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Dear Colleagues, 

We call upon you to join us with intention, commitment, and passion at the 2026 College Changes Everything® (CCE) conference on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at the Tinley Park Convention Center to explore this year's theme: Education Matters. Whether you work directly with students or are a part of shaping the systems they navigate, the 2026 CCE conference offers a space for learning, advocacy, and action. Come ready to be challenged, inspired and most importantly, to act. More information about the conference is available on the conference website. 

Keynote Speaker

We are pleased to announce this year's conference keynote speaker, Enrique Rodríguez, News Anchor for Univision Chicago and 11-time Emmy award winner from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Visit the conference website to learn more about this year's keynote speaker.

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Preliminary Agenda

A preliminary agenda is now available on the conference website. The preliminary agenda contains the interest sessions that will be part of the day of collaboration.

Registration

Space is limited – register today to reserve your place! Conference registration is $40, payable by credit card via Eventbrite.

2026 College Changes Everything Conference Planning Committee 

• Illinois Student Assistance Commission 
• Illinois Board of Higher Education 
• Illinois Community College Board 
• Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity 
• Illinois Department of Employment Security
• Illinois State Board of Education 
• Illinois College Access Network 
• Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities 
• Advance Illinois 
• Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University
• ACT Now 
• Women Employed 
• iCan Dream Center

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