Meet Nicole Nicole is a Mexican-American first-generation college graduate from the Back of the Yards neighborhood. Since she was little, her heart was set on entering the world of science and becoming a doctor. She attended a public bachelor’s degree granting institution in Chicago and graduated in six years in 2021. She…

Meet Allan Allan is a Black first generation college student who grew up in Morgan Park. He graduated from CPS magnet high school in the Mount Greenwood neighborhood in 2015. He later attended a private bachelor-granting college in the south side of Chicago on a full ride scholarship. He loves creating and…

Meet Marshai Marshai is a Black first-generation college student and grew up on the west side of Chicago. She graduated from her neighborhood high school in Roseland in 2020 and now attends a historically Black college in Arkansas. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in industrial technology and is set to…

Meet Karla Karla is a Honduran-American first-generation college student from Humboldt Park on the west side of Chicago. Her time in CPS was marked by a lot of change and transferring of schools. She faced the challenges of both the 2013 school closures and a difficult high school selection process. She attended…

Meet Ilyas Ilyas is Ethiopian and grew up in Rogers Parks. He graduated from his neighborhood high school in 2018 and enrolled in an associate degree program at a private university. After receiving his Associate Degree, he is now enrolled at an Illinois public institution pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree. Ilyas is currently…

Meet Roxanne Roxanne grew up on the southeast side of Chicago and proudly identifies as a Peruvian trans woman. She graduated from her neighborhood high school and was a part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Roxanne is the first in her family to graduate high school and college. She took a…

“It’s a good feeling type of job! Helping out people… that’s just my thing.” Meet Eric Eric is a first-generation, Latinx college graduate who went to a neighborhood high school in the northside of Chicago. He entered the workforce after graduating from college, and currently serves as Transitional Youth Leader (TYL). Eric…

“There are a lot of young people who have come out of college with a desire to help others — it’s a very human desire to just help out.” Meet Yvette Yvette is a first-generation, Latinx college graduate from the southwest side of Chicago. She graduated from her neighborhood high school with…

“I’ve always wanted to be in a position where I’m able to help others.” Meet Stephania Stephania is a first-generation, Latinx college student who graduated from a neighborhood high school on the northside of Chicago. Immediately after graduating high school, Stephania enrolled in college where she studies Marketing and Psychology. She has…