SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) hosted its first-ever Student Summit on March 13, 2025, at the Bone Student Center at Illinois State University in Normal. The summit provided approximately 125 students from 40 high schools across the state with a platform to share their experiences, advocate for their needs, and help shape the future of education in Illinois.
The summit was designed to engage more student voices in policy discussions on how to improve education, school learning environments, and academic outcomes. Discussions focused on key issues affecting students today -- from mental health and school engagement to postsecondary opportunities.
“Students are at the heart of everything we do at ISBE,”
said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. “When we truly listen to them, we unlock the full potential of our schools and communities. Their voices shape better policies, stronger classrooms, and more meaningful learning. We are grateful to all the Student Summit participants for sharing their insights and helping build a stronger, more inclusive education system.”
The summit featured roundtable discussions on key topics identified by ISBE’s
Student Advisory Council (SAC), focusing on students' experiences and well-being. Mental health sessions covered substance use, bullying, and access to extracurricular activities that support emotional wellness. Education discussions explored college and career pathways, strengthening Career and Technical Education, experiential learning, and improving curriculum resources. Student engagement roundtables addressed school discipline, cell phone use, attendance, and increasing student representation in their communities.
The ISBE Student Summit was by invitation only, with ISBE extending invitations to all members of the Student Advisory Council, the Illinois Career and Technical Student Organizations Board, and all students who applied for the 2024-25 SAC. In previous years, Student Advisory Council members engaged in virtual discussions, but this in-person event provided a new opportunity for collaboration and direct dialogue with peers across the state.
“The Student Summit is a great a way to represent my district and share some of the things we’re doing well at New Trier. I’ve had some really good conversations today with my peers from all around the state,”
said New Trier Township High School senior Marie Mohr. “I plan to take those ideas back home to make my school an even better place.”
“I’d like to thank ISBE for creating an environment for student leaders from across the state to come together to communicate and focus on the issues and strong suits that we have,”
said O’Fallon Township High School sophomore Dean Calhoun.
“I’m excited to hear what students across the state have to say and take it back to my school so our student body is more engaged and enjoys school more,”
said Barrington High School senior Vidhi Trivedi.
The insights gathered from these discussions will help inform the Student Advisory Council’s recommendations to the ISBE Board. The council will make a presentation to Board members in May to ensure that they have an opportunity to consider student voice to inform policies and practices that impact Illinois schools.
View pictures from the Student Summit.
Learn more about the Student Advisory Council on
ISBE’s Student Voices webpage.
