Chicago-based Supports – GradPlan
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Chicago-based Supports

Resources for Chicago students moving on to college or the workforce

Your City Wants You to Succeed

The city of Chicago is committed to the success of its students. To reflect this, they provide a support through the Chicago Public Schools and the City Colleges of Chicago.

If you weren’t a CPS student, or you are not planning to attend a City College of Chicago, don’t worry, there are other great organizations in Chicago designed to help you succeed. Scroll to the last section of this page.

City Colleges of Chicago (CCCs)

The City Colleges of Chicago is determined to be the best urban community college system in the country, and to that end they have a range of supports for CPS grads to help them enroll and succeed at one of the seven CCC campuses–

Chicago Road Map

The Chicago Road Map seeks to increase all student outcomes in college readiness, college enrollment, college persistence, college degree attainment and employment.

Supports include:

  • Summer Start
  • Enrollment Days
  • Youth Apprenticeships
  • Academic Readiness Training
  • Career Spotlight Days

Star Scholarship

Chicago students who graduate HS with at least a 3.0 GPA and enroll either part-time or full-time in the City Colleges of Chicago will receive consideration for the Star Scholarship

Star Scholar benefits include:

  • Free Tuition (if not covered by financial aid)
  • Free Textbooks
  • Free Coaching and Mentoring
  • Connection to other Star Scholars

OneGoal Partnership

Each of the seven City Colleges of Chicago is a partner in the OneGoal network of college affiliates.

OneGoal Fellows on CCC campuses can receive these supports:

  • Admission & Enrollment Help
  • Financial Aid Benefits
  • Student Success Team
  • Academic Support
  • Access to Mental Health Counseling
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Chicago Public Schools Services

The CPS Office of College and Career Planning has a wide array of supports to help CPS graduates prepare for college and enroll on time for their first semester of college or job training. These services include things like,

Alumni Support

Most CPS high schools have an Alumni Coordinator who helps graduates from that school achieve their goals after high school. Ask your school how to reach your alumni coordinator for support.

Financial Aid Assistance

 Check out CPS’s Financial Aid page to learn how the district can help its graduates complete the FAFSA and find ways to pay for college or training after high school.

Scholarships

CPS has compiled a large collection of scholarship opportunities specifically for Chicago students. Check out the Academic Works segment of their Scholarship page to view the opportunities.

In Chicago, but not a CPS Grad or CCC student? No Problem

Check out these support programs

  • Bottom Line – College supports for Chicago students enrolled in a four-year university.
  • College Possible Chicago – Enrollment and academic support for Chicago students from low-income communities.
  • Chicagoland Regional College Program – Part-time work for college students from Chicago.
  • The Ideal Candidate – Job training and career readiness based in Chicago.

Categories

Illinois Fellows
OneGoal Fellows and Alumni
Recommended Resources

Categories

Illinois Fellows
OneGoal Fellows and Alumni

"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today."

Malcolm X, human rights activist