2025 IMPACT REPORT
As City Colleges innovates, the City Colleges of Chicago Foundation supports.
A Message from the Foundation President
Veronica Herrerro, City Colleges of Chicago Foundation President
Over the last five years, the City Colleges of Chicago Foundation has been re-energized and laser-focused on learning what truly moves the needle for our students and on building an equity-focused institution — and then securing the resources to fund them. We are focused on impactful strategies we can scale district-wide — the ones that can reach many students and deliver a strong return on investment. Read more in our Impact Report.
Becoming the City’s Most Accessible Higher Education Engine of Socioeconomic Mobility and Racial Equity
City Colleges is a first-choice institution — a vital partner to Chicago Public Schools, a bridge to top-tier universities, and a talent pipeline for Chicago’s leading employers. City Colleges has overcome a legacy structural deficit, earned credit rating increases, and achieved strong financial health. This transformation didn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of eight years of a relentless focus on aligning education with real opportunity, meeting students where they are, and never losing sight of what matters most: life-changing results through education.
This Impact Report captures that story.
Behind every number is a name — a student who earned a scholarship, found stability through services or emergency aid, launched a career, or transferred to a four-year university.
Scholarships Awarded
in Direct Student Aid
Invested in Free College Opportunities
Students Served Across 7 Colleges
Overall enrollment has resurged after pandemic-era declines. Black male student enrollment has increased 35% since Fall 2021, 31% for Latine males, 28% for Black females and 17% for Latine females.
Partnership Matters
The City Colleges of Chicago Foundation is at the heart of many of City Colleges’ partnerships. The Foundation raises funding that goes directly to infrastructure, building systems, and figuring out where the need is in order to support and scale these unique programs.
A landmark partnership between Chicago Public Schools and City Colleges of Chicago, creating a seamless path to and through college.
One Million Degrees (OMD) provides CCC students with comprehensive financial, personal, academic, and career support—proven to be transformational.
An expanded partnership offering on-campus markets with groceries, balanced frozen meals for students and families, campus snacks, improved access to public benefits, and student apprenticeships.
When We Invest in Our Students,
We Invest in Our City
Potential is everywhere, but sometimes it takes a helping hand to unlock it. That’s where the City Colleges of Chicago Foundation comes in.
- Scholarships That Change Trajectories
- Opportunities that Develop Leadership Skills
- Studies That Open Doors to New Worlds
- Programs That Break Barriers
How You Can Help
The progress we make is only possible because of people like you — donors, partners, and advocates who believe in the power of public education.
Here’s how you can make an immediate and lasting impact:
- Donate to our Student Success Fund.
- Leave a legacy by endowing a scholarship or program.
- Establish a named scholarship in honor of a loved one or passion.
- Invest in the growth and development of programs that meet our students where they are and lead them into thriving careers in STEM, healthcare, business, skilled trades, education, and more.
- Partner with us to create and fund internships, mentorships, apprenticeship programs, and pipelines.
- Advocate for policies and investments that uplift community colleges and the students they serve.
