On June 14, hundreds gathered to honor students who earned their Illinois high school diploma through the City Colleges of Chicago's Adult Education program. This initiative offers free GED and HiSET preparatory classes across the city. Over 250 students celebrated this achievement with their families, friends, and supporters alongside leadership from City Colleges of Chicago and the City of Chicago.
The event featured special guests including Dr. Macqueline King, senior director of education policy for Mayor Brandon Johnson, and State Representative Theresa Mah. A student representative from each of the six City Colleges offering Adult Education classes spoke at the ceremony. Remarks were also given by Provost Mark Potter, Executive Vice Chancellor Veronica Herrero, Vice Chancellor Luis Narvaez, and Vice Chancellor Will Barefield.
Englewood resident Thomas Adams shared his aspirations during his speech: “My education and career goals are focused in social entrepreneurship. I want to start businesses that focus on social, economic and environmental issues. My next step is to go to college this fall at Kennedy-King College. My advice to any student that wants to do it, the educator and administrators are going to give you every tool you need to succeed. After earning my diploma, I now have a level of self-fulfillment and know I can do anything.”
For more information about free high school diploma preparation in English or Spanish, visit www.ccc.edu/ae.