City Colleges of Chicago, LevelUp, Achieving the Dream (ATD), and the University of Chicago Inclusive Economy Lab (IEL) came together with leaders in higher education to understand barriers to Black learner post-secondary access and success, strengthen understanding of national data, amplify emerging best practices, and build a community to support Black learner excellence.  “Today is an opportunity to explore how each of us can best support Black students,” said City Colleges Chancellor Juan Salgado. “While there is good work happening, there is much more to do. Black student success is central to our mission at City Colleges. If we truly want to have a city that takes pride in its ability to have racial equity and opportunity in our city, Black learner excellence is central, and City Colleges is central to getting us there.”   The day-long summit was packed with data-focused disruptors, all focused on Black learner outcomes, including Dr. Karen Stout of Achieving the Dream, Dr. Keith Curry from LevelUp, Dr. Brandon Nichols from Olive-Harvey College, Dr. Kafi Moragne-Patterson, Courtney Washington, and Carmelo Barbaro from UChicago’s Inclusive Economy Lab, Dominique “Dom” McKoy from University of Chicago’s To & Through Project, President Z. Scott from Chicago State University, Dr. Kimberly Hollingsworth from Olive-Harvey College, Dr. Shawn Jackson from Harry S Truman College, President David Sanders from Malcolm X College, Dr. Katonja Webb Walker from Kennedy-King College, and Dr. Aarti Dhupelia from City Colleges of Chicago.   City Colleges of Chicago Executive Vice Chancellor-Chief Student Experience Officer Aarti Dhupelia closed the summit with some actionable takeaways, saying, “There are proof points of what works. We prioritize Black learner excellence in budgets, we honor student voices and experience as we set priorities, we build relationships and a culture of care for our students.”  This inaugural Black Learner Excellence Summit was presented by Achieving the Dream, The UChicago Inclusive Economy Lab, The Joyce Foundation, The ECMC Foundation, HCM Strategists, Equity Avengers, and Level Up. 

As we look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our Class of 2024 associate degree earners at Wintrust Arena on May 4, City Colleges of Chicago is proud to recognize a special group of graduates—a valedictorian and salutatorian from each of our seven colleges.  Each student has their own unique story and pathway, but all of this year’s valedictorians and salutatorians exemplify academic excellence, determination, and perseverance. Watch the video below to “meet” this year’s top students or visit graduation.ccc.edu/vals-sals/ to read more about their stories. [embedded content] Support from the City Colleges of Chicago Foundation helped some of this year’s valedictorians and salutatorians—and so many others—complete their studies. “The scholarship support provided me with a lifeline. It relieved the financial burden, allowing me to breathe a little easier and focus more on my studies without the constant weight of debt looming overhead. It was a pivotal moment where I regained a sense of direction and hope for the future.” Adam Moine,Wright College salutatorian Adam is transferring to UIUC’s Grainger College of Engineering to pursue a bachelor’s degree this fall through Wright’s guaranteed admission transfer pathway. To empower City Colleges students like Adam with scholarships that fuel their future, visit www.ccc.edu/waystogive.

City Colleges of Chicago joins a cohort of nine grantee colleges, universities, and college systems that will create new or refine existing efforts to collect data about students who are parents City Colleges of Chicago announced today it will join the Urban Institute’s launch of a new college community of practice, featuring a cohort of eight grantee colleges and universities and one citywide college system, to improve data collection on college students who are parents as part of the Data-to-Action Campaign for Parenting Students. City Colleges of Chicago will work to collect data on parenting and single-mother students in its college data systems and use the data to support students and their educational goals. “We are thrilled to partner with Urban Institute to improve our data collection on our student parents because the data will help us design stronger services and supports that can better foster their success and promote equitable outcomes across all students,” said Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff Veronica Herrero, City Colleges of Chicago. “More than 4.3 million undergraduate college students in the United States have children, representing more than one in five undergraduate students,” said Theresa Anderson, a principal research associate at Urban. “Despite national data showing this group’s large size, an absence of data at individual schools about parent students’ enrollment, characteristics, experiences, and outcomes renders them nearly invisible. We’re excited to work with City Colleges of Chicago to help make change and ensure that the educational needs of this understudied group are met.” The nine grantees are: Bakersfield College – Bakersfield, CA California Polytechnic University – San Luis Obispo, CA California State University – Channel Islands, CA City Colleges of Chicago – Chicago, IL Klamath Community College – Klamath Falls, OR Lane Community College – Eugene, OR Rogue Community College – Grants Pass, OR Southwestern Oregon Community College – Coos Bay, OR Treasure Valley Community College – Ontario, OR The Urban team will work with City Colleges of Chicago to help inform, guide, and steward the implementation of parenting status data collection and strategies to use these data to support students. The grantees are in states that have passed legislation allowing them to collect all college students’ parenting status at the student-record level, with the goal of improving higher education outcomes. City Colleges of Chicago will receive $50,000 annually for two years through Urban, with funding from ECMC Foundation, the Ford Family Foundation, and Lumina Foundation. Grantees will also receive peer learning opportunities, technical assistance, and coaching via the college community of practice. Lessons from this cohort will inform practices for other colleges, universities, and systems outside the community of practice, as well as state and federal policymakers, in terms of how to count, understand, and support parenting students–especially those who are single mothers. A related brief by Urban researchers examines the current state of data collection on postsecondary students with children. The work relates closely to Urban’s earlier Student-Parent Families at the Center project as well as the cross-organizational Student-Parent Action through Research Knowledge (SPARK) Collaborative. About the Urban Institute The Urban Institute is a nonprofit research organization that provides data and evidence to help advance upward mobility and equity. We are a trusted source for changemakers who seek to strengthen decision making, create inclusive economic growth, and improve the well-being of families and communities. For more than 50 years, Urban has delivered facts that inspire solutions—and this remains our charge today. About City Colleges of Chicago City Colleges of Chicago’s vision is to be recognized as the city’s most accessible higher education engine of socioeconomic mobility and racial equity – empowering all Chicagoans to take part in building a stronger and more just city.  The community college system’s more than 4,000 faculty and staff serve more than 60,000 students annually at seven colleges and five satellite sites across Chicago.

Johnson Controls, through its Community College Partnership Program, is making an impact on Kennedy-King College’s HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) students – with nearly $300,000 in funding. So far, Kennedy-King College has received $273,000 via a three-year renewable grant that engages students from historically underrepresented groups and supports them in preparing for and embarking on career paths in sustainable building practices. “We are grateful that Johnson Controls recognizes City Colleges efforts to prepare our students for the workforce. This funding is directly supporting our students – and with them, the future of green building,” said Veronica Herrero, president of the City Colleges of Chicago Foundation. Thanks to the Community College Partnership Program, Kennedy-King College has established an HVAC certification boot camp, as well as a job shadowing and field experience course – all to equip students with the skills they need to succeed. “Our students are ready for an HVAC career when they finish this program, and because of Johnson Controls, they know exactly what that career can look like,” said Shondria Holmes, dean of instruction at Kennedy-King College. “That makes a huge impact on a student who might not know anyone in the field who can talk to them about the day-to-day work.” So far, 60 students have benefited from the program, including Ryan Morgia, Kennedy-King College’s 2023 Valedictorian. After earning HVAC certificates in May of 2022, Ryan decided to take the stationary engineers license exam offered by the National Association of Stationary Operating Engineers®. He passed and was able to obtain an HVAC maintenance/stationary engineer position that August. Just seven months later, Ryan was promoted to chief engineer. To learn more about the HVAC program at Kennedy-King College, visit www.ccc.edu/hvac. Learn more about the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program here. Check out ways to donate to the City Colleges of Chicago Foundation at www.ccc.edu/foundation.

PATH Scholarship program supports students who face economic barriers CHICAGO — City Colleges of Chicago was selected as a 2023 Progress, Accomplishment, Thriving, Hope (PATH) Scholarship recipient through the Ellucian Foundation. The PATH Scholarship program provided grants to two-year public institutions in 2023 with a focus on supporting students facing economic hardship. City Colleges of Chicago received $10,00 which will help students cover items such as housing costs, tuition and food. “Two-year public colleges are at the heart of the U.S. higher education system, serving as educational and career launch pads for students by providing critical skills and access to a wide range of learners,” said Laura Ipsen, President and CEO, Ellucian. “It’s imperative that we support these students by mitigating the obstacles that make it difficult to stay in school and develop the skills that are integral to our workforce and society. Through the PATH Scholarship program, we are dedicated to investing in their potential and contributing to their success.” “On behalf of City Colleges and the Chicago Roadmap team, we are grateful for the financial support provided by the PATH Scholarship because it will go a long way in supporting our students as they pursue their academic goals,” said Vice Chancellor of High School Strategy Peggy Korellis, City Colleges of Chicago “Because of Ellucian’s generosity, we are able to help more students and for this, we are grateful.” The PATH Scholarship is provided by the Ellucian Foundation, established in 2020 by Ellucian, the leading technology solutions provider for higher education. To date, the PATH Scholarship program has provided more than $2 million in grants. By the end of 2023, more than 2,000 students will have received PATH Scholarships. “The Ellucian Foundation believes that every student deserves the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams, regardless of their circumstances,” said Jennifer Welding, Executive Director of the Ellucian Foundation. “Through the PATH Scholarship program, we aim to empower students to continue their path towards success, despite any financial hardships they may encounter.” For more details, visit: https://stayonpath.org/

Jamie Redmond, Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Redmond Foundation, talks about the inspiration and impact of the Building The Next Generation Scholarship Fund. The Redmond Foundation, a steadfast ally of City Colleges of Chicago, has established and sustained this scholarship specifically to support female-identifying students enrolled in Construction Management programs at Dawson Technical Institute (DTI) of Kennedy-King College. Jamie Redmond, Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Redmond Foundation What inspired the creation of the Redmond Foundation? Redmond sees the lack of diversity and representation in the AEC (Architectural, Engineering, and Construction) industry as an issue of equity and acknowledges that there are structural barriers for women and people of color to enter careers in the industry. Our team determined that one way we could have an impact on pathways to careers was through existing educational institutions. The Foundation works with Chicago Public Schools and City Colleges of Chicago to support programming that is focused on exposing students to AEC industry roles and preparing them for meaningful careers. Our goal is to support the organizations already working on the ground in disinvested communities, and add our insight, expertise, and network power to improve outcomes for students in AEC career paths. What is the Building The Next Generation Scholarship Fund and why was it created?  What has been its impact so far? The scholarship fund was created to provide direct cash assistance to students that goes beyond tuition. We recognize that City Colleges students may be career changers, working parents, or in non-traditional college student roles. The funding can be used for anything from books to childcare, to commuting to meals. Those everyday barriers require a different kind of support in order for students to succeed, and our fund is made for those circumstances. It is also DACA friendly, because all students deserve a level playing field to pursue their education and career goals. What inspired the Redmond Foundation to collaborate with City Colleges of Chicago for this scholarship fund? Redmond saw the work that City Colleges was already doing to prepare students for good careers in the AEC industry, and we wanted to support a community college that was invested in the future of Chicago’s south and west-side students. Kennedy-King College and Dawson Technical Institute are trusted anchors in the Englewood neighborhood, and already have an established relationship with the community. Our view is that supporting existing, trusted programming is the best way to build long-term, positive outcomes for historically disinvested and underrepresented communities. Why is it crucial to offer support and mentorship to students, especially women who aspire to pursue careers in the field of construction? Construction has struggled with its reputation as unwelcoming to women and people of color, especially in the corporate and commercial world. Giving someone an opportunity in a new role is great, but without intentional support with relationships, networking, and coaching those opportunities can fall flat. It’s on our current industry leadership to be willing to drive cultural change and create spaces that are welcoming, transparent, and successful, and allow the next generation of leaders to thrive. Why should other institutions consider investing in City Colleges of Chicago students? City Colleges of Chicago has long been the stepping stone for first generation college students, students who want a high-quality affordable education, and students who want to make meaningful changes to their careers. The more business and employers engage with City Colleges and provide resources and expertise to ensure programs are funded, curriculums are relevant, and students are career-ready, the better it is for students and employers. We have an opportunity to bring students from historically disinvested communities into great careers with high earning potential and overcome those structural barriers. Is there anything else you’d like to share about the Redmond Foundation? We’re excited to get even more deeply involved with Kennedy-King and Dawson’s programming and curriculums and hire City Colleges students as they come out of school.

City Colleges of Chicago continues to expand student supports on its way to eliminating equity gaps and advancing its vision as Chicago’s most accessible higher engine of socioeconomic mobility and racial equity. With the vital importance of raising the resources necessary to do so, Veronica Herrero, former City Colleges Chief of Strategy and Staff, has taken on the expanded role of Executive Vice Chancellor – Chief Institutional Advancement Officer and Chief of Staff. This will include serving as President of the City Colleges of Chicago Foundation. Veronica will lead an expanded portfolio, including private and public fundraising, government and community relations, districtwide marketing and communications and critical organizational units focused on two key levers of the strategic plan—institutional excellence and equity. Veronica has dedicated the last decade to the advancement and well-being of City Colleges of Chicago students. As Chief Program Officer for One-Million Degrees she excelled in building a highly effective model we are now poised to grow across the district to better our student outcomes and further transform our students lives. As Chief of Strategy and Staff, Veronica has been and will continue to be the caretaker of the strategic plan and facilitator of relationships with local, regional, and national partners in the public, non-profit, and private sectors in support of CCC’s vision. She has a keen eye for building systems and raising new public and private resources, and in her work thus far, has already developed a grants management operation to strengthen City Colleges’ capacity to raise and efficiently manage public grants, among other efforts.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- It's the celebration of a legacy, as students become a part of the first cohort of the Dr. Timuel D. Black Jr. Scholarship and Fellowship Program."He didn't just talk the talk, he walked the way. He made a difference in Chicago," said Liz-Enne De Beauville-Jones, a Dr. Timuel D. Black scholar.The new City Colleges of Chicago program was created and named for the historian, civil rights activist, author and educator to support the emergence of Chicago leaders."This is our inaugural event," said Rhonda Brown, with the City Colleges of Chicago Foundation.Black collaborated with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s and played a pivotal role in the election of Harold Washington."So we wanted to take that legacy and really infuse a lot of mentorship, a lot of activism and a very diverse group of, you know, people," Timuel D. Black Program Director Geovonnie Bates said.SEE MORE: Timuel Black, Chicago historian and civil rights leader, dead at 102Also a retired City Colleges of Chicago professor and a former Chicago Public Schools teacher, Black had a passion for sharing the importance of the historical contributions of African Americans with young people.He died in 2021 at the age of 102."He would be very proud that his legacy is continuing. I'm very proud his legacy is continuing," Black's widow Zenobia Johnson said.Each of the 12 fellows in the year-long program were awarded a $1,000 stipend and a one-year tuition credit.ABC7 Chicago's political analyst Laura Washington gave the keynote address.At Thursday's celebratory luncheon, supporters learned about this new program, which includes scholars touring historical sites in Black's native Alabama.But for 21-year-old Juses Guerrero, the honor is a chance to hopefully make a difference in his community and the world."Ultimately, the importance is we're human. We can all interact with each other," Guerrero said.Copyright © 2023 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Building Trauma-informed DEI Olive-Harvey College, one of the seven institutions the comprise the City Colleges of Chicago, also thinks about being student ready as “meeting students where they are,” says President Kimberly Hollingsworth, whose college has been undertaking strategic planning around enrollment management and equity in the wake of the pandemic. Read more from the Community College Journal: Community College Journal – ‘Meeting Students Where They Are’ (ccjournal-digital.com).

The City Colleges of Chicago Foundation recognizes the many achievements and contributions of women who continuously contribute to City Colleges. To celebrate International Women’s Day, we were so pleased to sit down with City Colleges of Chicago Foundation board member Norma Manjarrez. Norma, tell us about your involvement with City Colleges of Chicago Foundation. How did you get involved and what continues to motivate you to support the Foundation’s goals?I am a board member of the City Colleges of Chicago Foundation, and in this role, I aim to advance the organization’s efforts to support community college students from all backgrounds in reaching their academic and career goals. I am committed to supporting organizations that elevate diverse youth within under-resourced communities. It is my way of paying it forward. Tell us about your journey as a woman in your respective field. What does that look like for you? How do you overcome barriers and find inspiration to continue while balancing your personal and well-being?My journey as a woman in the legal industry has been shaped by my identity as a first-generation Mexican-American college/postgraduate. I have been undermined, assumed to have been admitted to graduate school at the bottom of the curve and as part of a diversity initiative. I have been criticized and challenged for having an “accent” after simply pronouncing my name in Spanish. I have been assumed to be the court reporter in a case I was defending as an attorney. My experience, unfortunately, is not unique. The reality is that the Latinx population is highly under-represented in the legal industry. Although the Latinx population is the largest ethnic minority group, there is still a significant gap between our representation as an ethnic minority group and our representation within the legal industry. In fact, the law student population in 2019 was 12.7% Latinx and in 2020, only 5.64% of associate attorneys were Latinx, 2.8% of partners were Latinx and only .9 (less than 1%) of partners were Latinx women. For some (maybe many) of us, the fear of being the first (or the only one) is overwhelming and sometimes paralyzing. Building and fostering relations of mentorship and sponsorship have allowed me to successfully maneuver through those new, sometimes unwelcoming, spaces. And in those moments of trepidation, I borrow from the Honorable Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor, “Don’t let fear stop you. Don’t give up because you are paralyzed by insecurity or overwhelmed by the odds, because in giving up, you give up hope. Understand that failure is a process in life, that only in trying can you enrich yourself and have the possibility of moving forward. The greatest obstacle in life is fear and giving up because of it.” Is there a specific woman or a woman in history that you find inspiring? What was inspiring about her and what did you learn from that person?My mother. She has always been a go-getter. I am constantly reminded and motivated by my mother’s tireless efforts toward the advancement of herself and our family. She does not settle. As a new mom, I am profoundly motivated by my mother (mi madre). What does Women’s History Month mean to you?Women’s history month to me means celebrating my Latinidad and the many contributions Latinas have made and continue to make to our society while also recognizing that we have a lot of work to reach equality. Women’s history month is a reminder to collaborate and support other women, to understand the uniqueness of their struggles, and unify our efforts toward the advancement of all women. What advice can you give to other women during Women’s History Month?In those moments of trepidation, as the Honorable Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor, has said “Don’t let fear stop you. Don’t give up because you are paralyzed by insecurity or overwhelmed by the odds, because in giving up, you give up hope. Understand that failure is a process in life, that only in trying can you enrich yourself and have the possibility of moving forward. The greatest obstacle in life is fear and giving up because of it.”