Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development

The Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) kicked off Equity Week on Monday with the release of its 2020 Equity in Higher Education Report and its Bridges to Success Equity Webinar Series.

MDHEWD issued its first Equity in Higher Education Report in 2019, focused on access to and progress through public postsecondary education. The new 2020 report utilizes trend data to highlight attainment inequities in undergraduate programs and focuses on the major findings for each of these demographics: race/ethnicity, geographic location, parental income level, parental education level, age, and gender. Data suggests that not all Missourians are achieving the same postsecondary success or workforce outcomes. The goal of the report is for postsecondary institutions, stakeholders, and policymakers to utilize the findings to analyze the disparities within campuses and address equity issues so that measurable positive results are realized.

Read the full Equity in Missouri Higher Education Report at https://dhewd.mo.gov/documents/EquityReport2020.pdf.

“What we do in state government, and what others do as higher education leaders, has the ability to impact lives for generations to come – and what we don’t do has just as significant an impact,” said Zora Mulligan, commissioner of higher education. “Bringing together leaders and educators of diverse backgrounds and experiences, who understand the importance and urgency of this work, will help our department in its mission to bridge gaps and improve outcomes for students statewide.”

Equity Week webinars will run Oct. 26 through Oct. 30 during the lunch hour, with educators and advocates leading discussions on strategies to make college more equitable for all Missourians.

Monday’s webinar featured opening remarks from Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and Commissioner of Higher Education Zora Mulligan. Webinars during Equity Week include speakers from the Civilian Oversight Board for the City of St. Louis, Lincoln University, and more.

Equity Week is part of MDHEWD’s monthly Bridges to Success Equity Webinar series. White papers will be released to coincide with each webinar topic. Visit https://dhewd.mo.gov/equity_project.php to register for upcoming webinars and to learn more about equity in higher education.

About the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development: The department works to empower Missourians with the skills and education needed for success. More information about MDHEWD can be found at  https://dhewd.mo.gov or on Facebook and Twitter @MoDHEWD.