Chicago’s deputy mayor for education and human services joined academic leaders on Nov. 12 to hear from college students in the first cohort of the DePaul Harold Washington Academy. Students discussed their undergraduate experience, citing the cost of a college education as a potential barrier to a bachelor’s degree.
“Students who excel in high school should be able to access an excellent education at an affordable price,” says DePaul President A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D. “We partnered with City Colleges of Chicago to create this academy for that very reason, and it’s the perfect DePaul partnership. Together, we’re ensuring all our high-achieving students have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of higher education.”
Launched this fall, the DePaul Harold Washington Academy is a partnership between DePaul and City Colleges of Chicago designed to provide an affordable pathway to a bachelor’s degree. Students enrolled have the opportunity to earn an Associate of Arts degree from Harold Washington College, and then receive guaranteed admission to DePaul to complete a bachelor’s degree.
In order to have the full college experience, students enrolled in the academy have access to DePaul’s facilities and libraries. They also may join DePaul student organizations and receive assistance from tutors. In addition, Harold Washington College offers access to its network of academic, financial and emotional support programs.
In addition to DePaul senior leaders, City Colleges Chancellor Juan Salgado and Harold Washington College Interim President Peggy Korellis joined the roundtable discussion with Sybil Madison, Chicago’s deputy mayor for education and human services. Liz Ortiz, vice president for the Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity, also participated in the event. Academic and city leaders agreed the partnership benefits include providing an optimal undergraduate support system and an exceptional student experience.
DePaul Interim Provost Salma Ghanem commended the students for participating in the first cohort.
“Students in this academy are willing to try something new,” she says. “They’re go-getters, and they have big aspirations. DePaul is committed to delivering an excellent education that fulfills their academic and professional goals.”