The University of Illinois Board of Trustees today approved a request for the state to increase the University of Illinois System’s FY2028 appropriation by 10.9% to pay for strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for students and supporting the state’s economy.

The University of Illinois System’s Brasillinois Initiative and the Brazilian National Council of State Funding Agencies (CONFAP) announced the projects selected for funding through the 2026 University of Illinois System and CONFAP Collaborative Research Program.

From September 22-25, the University of Illinois System leadership traveled to 12 stops across the state on its sixth annual state tour, speaking with students, educators, business leaders, government officials, and community members. This tour gives participants active opportunities for engaging in dialogue, strengthening partnerships, building new relationships, and celebrating established programs. 

High school students from the United States and Latin America showcased their creativity and perspectives on artificial intelligence during the U.S.-Latin America Day of Artificial Intelligence, a virtual symposium co-hosted by the University of Illinois Springfield and the University of Illinois System’s Illinois Mexican and Mexican-American Students (I-MMÁS) initiative.

The University of Illinois System leadership team will travel throughout Illinois this week to learn more about the needs and priorities of communities and organizations across the state, building on longstanding relationships and forging new connections as part of the “Invested in Illinois” tour.