Post-Secondary Pathways
Public education has never been more critical to ensuring economic mobility and future success.
A college degree is increasingly important for promoting economic mobility. While much of the post-secondary policy attention is focused on college attendance, there are significantly larger disparities in college completion rates. Students living in areas with high poverty rates disproportionately face challenges to success in college, including access to a high-quality high school education with a strong college-bound culture, guidance in navigating complex college admissions and financial aid processes, and a lack of additional supports necessary to help them persist. While 76% of CPS first-year students aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree, it is estimated that only 18% will do so within ten years of starting high school.
The Education Lab is working in partnership with CPS and college success providers in Chicago to identify and co-design supports to support CPS students–especially Options students–to achieve their post-secondary aspirations in college and career.
Embedded Analysts
The Education Lab provides technical assistance to support Chicago Public Schools in using data analysis to answer key questions and guide daily decisions.

Genesys Works
The Education Lab is evaluating the impact of Genesys Works, an education and workforce development program that aims to improve high school achievement, college enrollment, college persistence, employment, and earnings.

Latest Updates
Alternatives, Inc.: A move towards restorative practices in schools
Education Lab affiliate Anjali Adukia and Alternatives, Inc.’s Bessie Alcantara joined Gaynor Hall on WGN-TV Weekend Morning News to discuss the impacts of the implementation of restorative practices in Chicago Public Schools high schools.

Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons: What’s behind the drop in suspension rate at CPS?
WBEZ’s Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons sits down with WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp to discuss findings from the Education Lab’s study of the impacts of restorative practices in Chicago Public Schools.
Black Chicago Public Schools Students Benefit More From Restorative Practices, Study Says
BET’s Nigel Roberts covers the Education Lab’s latest findings from a study of the impacts of restorative practices in Chicago Public Schools high schools.