Series of Online Experiences Supports Post-Secondary Planning for Chicago Public Schools Students, Parents and Community Members
Chicago, IL – While Chicago Public Schools (CPS) high schoolers may be living and learning virtually, the college planning process continues. To ensure CPS students are prepared for life after high school, City Colleges of Chicago has partnered with Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Mayor’s Office to host a Virtual College Exploration Week the week of April 27th – May 1st.
This weeklong, online experience will help students, parents, and community members better plan for post-secondary opportunities, including advice on applying for financial aid, information on scholarships like the Star Scholarship, details about City Colleges programs and student services, as well as virtual challenges for students with the chance to win prizes. All sessions are free and the general public is invited to attend sessions dedicated for community members.
“Our schools may be closed, but we are continuing to do everything we can to ensure Chicago’s students maintain their historic academic gains amidst this unprecedented public health crisis,” said Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “I applaud our City Colleges faculty and staff for their consummate dedication and hard work in creating the Virtual College Exploration Week and helping ensure our city’s young people don’t miss a step in their journey to college, a career and a future we can all be proud of.”
“We don’t want students to pause their college searches even though so many other things in life are on hold,” said City Colleges of Chicago Chancellor Juan Salgado. “We want to help them get the information they need to make informed decisions, and for a lot of students across the City, the best choice is an affordable, high-quality City Colleges education.”
“So many of our CPS students have worked tirelessly to prepare for college, which is why it’s important to provide them opportunities to safely explore postsecondary pathways during these uncertain times,” said CPS CEO Dr. Janice K. Jackson. “We encourage all CPS high school students who are considering City Colleges to participate in this free, innovative virtual experience.”
City Colleges will host panels, which will feature current City Colleges students, parents, presidents and staff, and provide first-hand knowledge and guidance to anyone interested in learning more about City Colleges. CPS students will also have the chance to try out “challenges” from across the colleges in an array of programs of study that will stretch their skills, knowledge, and talents. Based on their participation, students will be entered into raffles to win prizes – including laptops, iPads, and more.
Highlights include:
For students:
• Presentations on applying for financial aid, admissions, transferring, and more on Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• A panel discussion with current City Colleges students on Wednesday, April 29th at 10 a.m.
• Instructional video challenges on Wednesday and Thursday.
• Virtual College Day, an opportunity to learn more about our seven colleges in greater depth on Friday, May 1st.
• Students will have a chance to win prizes based on their participation throughout.
For parents:
• A panel discussion with City Colleges parents on Thursday, April 30th at 10 a.m.
• Presentations on applying for financial aid, admissions, transferring, and more on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 4 p.m.
• Virtual College Day, an opportunity to learn more about our seven colleges in greater depth on Friday, May 1st.
For community members:
• Presentations on applying for financial aid, admissions, transferring, and more on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 4 p.m.
• Virtual College Day, an opportunity to learn more about our seven colleges in greater depth on Friday, May 1st.
Students, parents, and other community members who are interested in attending the online series should visit www.ccc.edu/virtualweek for more information and registration.
