Stories of Hope
Deandre to ISU:
A Student Success Coach Story
“It is a blessing in my life to have something like this. I would still be in the city working a random job if it weren't for Hope Chicago.”
- Hope Scholar, DeAndre
March 13, 2024.
Deandre is a bright young man pursuing a promising future in computer science at Illinois State University. Deandre had his sights set on attending college from the first day of freshman year at Noble Johnson College Prep in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood.
Deandre’s biggest hurdle was figuring out how to pay for his college education. Determined to get to college somehow, he had been applying to scholarship programs like QuestBridge, Posse, and Code Nation. He figured he would have to rely on loans to some extent and was working hard at earning strong grades in order to qualify for merit scholarships.
Then came the fateful day in May 2022 when Hope Chicago showed up at his school and announced that he and his classmates would have their college paid for upon graduation. For Deandre, it felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. It was his Junior year and instead of stressing about HOW he would pay for college–he already worked a part-time job at a local grocery store–he could start thinking about WHERE he would go to college.
By the Fall of 2023, Deandre was working closely with Hope Chicago’s Student Success Coach (SSC), Joy Thomas. SSCs are Hope Chicago staff members embedded at each of the five partner schools with the role of preparing students to navigate the intricate landscape of college readiness– another unique component of the Hope Chicago model for student success. SSCs are an additional resource to the schools’ college and career advising staff.
[Above] Hope Chicago Student Success Coach working with future Hope Scholar at Noble Johnson College Prep.
As an SSC, Joy coordinates a variety of activities designed to expose students to career opportunities, plan/prepare for college enrollment, and advises students on university selection based on the best match and fit for their situation. Match and fit are the foundation for a good college experience and determinant of college completion.
When it was time to decide on which college to attend, he sought Joy for direction on how to make the right choice. Joy helped Deandre to narrow down his “must haves” and connected Deandre to Hope Chicago’s Campus Contacts at those universities who took him on virtual tours of their school and provided a clear picture on what one could expect as a student there.
“I wanted a school with a computer science major and small class sizes where I wouldn’t feel lost in the crowd.
I chose Illinois State with Ms. Joy’s help, and I’m really happy with my decision.”
Today, Deandre is in the second semester of his Freshman year at Illinois State University where he is excelling academically–and socially. He proudly shares that he’s got a 3.5 GPA, is a member of the e-sports team (they came in third place in their division), and volunteers with the Photography Club. He’s developed a strong social network of peers and professors. Equally important, Deandre appreciates that he is a short train ride away from home so that he can still visit his 4-year old sister, who looks up to and adores her big brother, every few weeks.
“Hope Chicago is doing a wonderful job in providing us with resources and making sure we pass our classes, like tutoring and internships. I couldn't be more grateful.”
Donors to Hope Chicago are investing in the aspirations of Hope Scholars, like Deandre, and funding critical resources, including Student Success Coaches, to assist them in achieving their academic and career goals.
Your gift of any amount goes a long way in advancing our mission to create economic mobility for thousands of Chicago families.
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César & Madai
#LeadwithHope
César, a second-year Hope Scholar attending the University of Illinois Chicago, stepped up to the microphone to share his story under the Lincoln statue at the footsteps of the Capitol…
March 6, 2024.
My name is Cesar, and I am a Hope Scholar.
I am here today to speak in support of Hope Chicago and encourage leaders in Illinois to #LeadwithHope.
Before Hope Chicago, the idea of going to college was limited—since taking a break from my studies or working every day to save money was the most realistic option for me.
My plan after graduating high school also was to go into a community college or join the military to save and pay the debt of my college experience.
When Hope Chicago made their announcement at my high school, Benito Juarez, I felt relieved because my family would no longer have to pay for my postsecondary education along with me.
With the financial barrier to college removed, I was able to focus on my studies without experiencing financial difficulties with my college decision-making. I want to thank my high school’s postsecondary team and my Hope Chicago Student Success Coach for helping me with my decision-making process.
I now attend the University of Illinois Chicago, where I am majoring in Nutrition Science.
Attending college without having to be concerned about money makes me feel stress-free because not only myself but both of my parents were willing to pay the debt of college, and now with Hope Chicago, I can make them proud without having financial issues. What happens to me; affects them too.
One thing I have learned about myself so far in my college experience is that I am capable since I am a first-generation college student.
Knowing that I will graduate debt-free with my degree makes me feel safe and satisfied.
I think what Hope Chicago is doing for students like me is opening the doors of success through motivation and support
Students like me want the opportunity to reach their full potential and pursue meaningful careers.
When I think about all current and future Hope Scholars and Hope Parent Scholars earning degrees debt-free, I think the future for Chicago and Illinois will be the most stable in every sense. We will have the opportunity to support future generations through our own experiences.
Thank you to everyone here for your support today, tomorrow, and beyond.
As members of the Hope Chicago family, every day we show Chicago and Illinois what is possible when you lead with… (Cêsar points to the audience…).
“HOPE!”
A sustained 30% increase in postsecondary enrollment at Hope Chicago’s five partner high schools since 2022. Over 1,200 Hope Scholars enrolled in an Illinois institution to date—with 2,000 future Hope Scholars’ opportunities still to come.
When we #LeadwithHope, we can evolve higher education outcomes in Illinois and transform communities. Join us and #LeadwithHope.
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Jazmin & Marisol
are taking their shot.
Removing the financial barrier to higher education is just the first part of the Hope Chicago promise. Intensive wraparound support is central to our work.
December, 2023.
It’s easy for Jazmin to feel overwhelmed these days. The responsibilities of life weigh on her. Caring for her nine-month old and balancing the demands of motherhood along with being a full-time student, she sometimes feels like she is going to break. She’s tired–physically and mentally. At the same time, she knows that this chance to attain a degree debt-free is her shot at getting closer to her dream of becoming a medical-surgical nurse. So she keeps going, taking it one day at a time.
Jazmin is a Hope Scholar in her first year at City Colleges of Chicago where she is working toward a nursing degree. When asked where she sees herself in five years, she doesn’t hesitate. She aspires to be in an operating room assisting surgeons with medical procedures. And she is not letting anything stand in her way.
As a 2022 graduate of Benito Juarez Career Academy in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood on the city’s West Side, she was among the first class of students to receive the Hope Scholarship. Jazmin was in the school’s auditorium when the scholarship was announced and she recalls feeling immense relief when realizing that she nor her parents would have to bear the cost of her college education. Her path to a nursing degree seemed all but certain.
Now, three months into her first semester at Malcolm X College and a nine-month old son, Jazmin doesn’t hesitate to admit that she is struggling with her courses, with time management given how thinly stretched she is these days, and with staying organized. However, she is clear on what she needs to do in order to succeed.
She plans to take advantage of Hope Chicago’s partnership with One Million Degrees to get the academic support she needs and is focused on integrating organizational skills into her studies. She has also applied for Hope Chicago’s emergency funding to receive assistance towards childcare costs, which will help create bandwidth for her to have structured study time. A clear-headed young woman, Jazmin understands her journey might take her a bit longer than expected and that it’s harder than she originally anticipated. However, she is not about to waste her shot. She is determined, focused, and inspired by her son to give him the best life possible.
Her mom, Marisol, is also finishing up her first semester at City Colleges of Chicago where she is earning a business degree. She hopes to have her own brick and mortar store selling imported Mexican products. She has already started piloting her business model at local festivals and looks forward to acquiring skills and best practices that she can apply to her budding venture.
These stories of perseverance are at the core of Hope Chicago’s mission to sustain Scholars and Parent Scholars as they chart their course to economic mobility.
Removing the financial barrier to higher education is just the first part of the Hope Chicago promise. Intensive wraparound supports, guidance, accountability–and compassion–are integral in our work to ensure Scholars and Parent Scholars achieve their educational and career goals.
As part of Hope Chicago’s two-generation model, one parent/caregiver is also eligible to earn a degree. Marisol, Jazmin’s mom, was overcome with emotion at the thought that she too could go back to school and finally earn a degree–an idea she had given up on. She goes back to the vivid memory from 20 years ago of registering for classes at City Colleges of Chicago and hearing that the enrollment fees and books would be $200. The cost was unaffordable. She walked away from the registrar that day deflated by the certainty that she would never be able to earn a degree.
That summer, Jazmin learned that she was expecting a baby due in the spring of 2023. The team at Hope Chicago worked with Jazmin to figure out her options and were supportive of her decision to defer her studies until the fall of 2023.
Together, with the Hope Chicago community, we are building a movement for brighter futures for thousands of Chicago families from the city’s South, Southwest, and West Sides. Join us in advancing our mission.
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Malachi & Lee:
Nore More Dreams Deferred
December, 2023.
On a gorgeous fall day, Malachi walks through the tree-lined campus at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) in downstate Illinois, confident of his place on campus and clear on what he has to do to succeed. It has been a goal of his to attend college some day–how to finance it was the question.
Malachi is a graduate of Morgan Park High School in Chicago’s far South Side. Malachi has been curious and academically exceptional from a young age. Despite his talents and because of the exorbitant cost of attending college, Malachi and his dad, Lee, thought his best options after graduation would be to get a job or join the military.
Fate intervened in their life in February 2022 when Hope Chicago announced that all currently enrolled Freshmen through Seniors–and one parent/caregiver–would have the opportunity to attend college, debt-free! At the time, Malachi was a Junior and hearing this news was truly unbelievable mostly because it made a tough choice incredibly easy. He would be able to go directly to a four-year college.
“Study hard, get the work done, and find your people who will keep you on track. ”
Today, he’s a Freshman at SIUC studying Psychology with plans to go into a career as a therapist but he’s keeping his options open. Curiosity has always been a driving force for Malachi. It’s this curiosity—and a desire to succeed–that will propel him to triumph in any field he chooses.
Malchi’s dad, Lee, is on his way to completing his degree in computer science at Harold Washington College part of City Colleges of Chicago. Being a #goalgetter himself, he’s also taking advantage of Hope Chicago’s partnership with Jump Hire by participating in their workforce development program where he’s preparing for a career in IT. “I’m looking forward to completing my degree, having confidence in my success, and to providing a better life for Malachi and his younger brother.”
Families like theirs deserve every opportunity to gain economic mobility.
Together, we can build a movement for a brighter tomorrow for thousands of Chicago families.
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Logan & James:
“Together, We Rise.”
November, 2023.
It was a sunny afternoon in June when Logan walked across the stage at Arie Crown Theatre to accept his high school diploma as a graduate of Benito Juarez Community Academy, in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood on the city’s Southwest side. His family sat among the crowded auditorium cheering him on. It was the end of one chapter in life and the beginning of a new one–a chapter that up until one year ago, was intended to have a very different storyline for Logan.
Having seen his parents struggle to finance his older sisters’ college educations, Logan’s plans did not include going to college right after high school. With a 3.2 GPA, Logan planned to get a job as a barista or a customer service rep at the airport where his mom works.
It’s this cycle of crippling debt that has kept thousands of low-income families from gaining economic mobility and building generational wealth.
In May of 2022, Hope Chicago intervened in Logan’s life, and that of 4,000 students at five Chicago Public High Schools. Logan and his peers now have the opportunity to pursue a post-secondary education, debt-free, along with one parent.
Fast forward to graduation day in June 2023 and a beaming Logan accepted his diploma, the gleam in his eyes reflecting the bright future that lies ahead. Just a few weeks ago, Logan started his freshman year at Loyola University Chicago where he’s majoring in International Business and exploring a potential career in Marketing. He’s not worried about loans or working multiple jobs to pay for college–he’s focused on earning strong grades, making new friends, and learning to be independent. He’s also thinking about studying abroad in Japan come junior year.
As part of our two-generation model, James, Logan’s father, is investing in a second career after nearly 33 years with the Chicago Transit Authority. James is attending City Colleges of Chicago to prepare for an in-demand career in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, increasing his earning power and uplifting his whole family.
This narrative to James’ biography is a departure from where he began after graduating from Benito Juarez High School in the late 80’s. After one semester at Daily College, James had to make the tough choice of “stopping out” in order to work to support himself as he was already living on his own at 18 years old. Rent, groceries, bills, responsibilities, they all added up and he had no choice but to focus on working full time to make ends meet.
Today, James is back at City Colleges. This time, there won’t be anything standing in his way. Not having the burden of taking on more parent loans, means his second career in HVAC will go a long way in providing for his family.
Families like theirs deserve every opportunity to gain economic mobility.
Together, we can build a movement for a brighter tomorrow for thousands of Chicago families.
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August, 2023.
This fall, we’re thrilled to welcome our second class of Hope Scholars and Parent Scholars to their postsecondary pathways. One of these inspiring Scholar/Parent duos are Journey and her mom, Lawrencia. It’s stories like theirs that ground us in our commitment to removing barriers to opportunity and uplifting entire families.
Journey, a Morgan Park High School graduate in Chicago’s far South Side, recently started her sophomore year at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) where she’s majoring in Journalism and is considering law school upon graduation in 2026.
Lawrencia, a native Chicagoan and fellow graduate of Chicago Public Schools, has raised her family in the city’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood. Lawrencia had been enrolled at SIUC until a pregnancy changed the course of her life. As her family grew, so did the distance between Lawrencia’s reality and the hope of one day going back to school for a career in health care.
When Hope Chicago announced its scholarships to students and their parents at Morgan Park High in February of 2022, Journey and Lawrencia did not fully comprehend the meaning of the opportunity–it was surreal! Today, Journey has a full year of debt-free college under her belt, and Lawrencia will begin her second chance at a bachelor’s degree through Western Governors State University’s online program this month.
Journey and Lawrencia are strong, positive role models for Journey’s younger siblings. They are charting a course to realize their dreams and gaining experience in higher education so they can guide the next generation. More importantly, they are each other’s encouragement as they confront the challenges of life.
Journey & Lawrencia:
Inspiring Scholar/Parent Duo
Just as Journey and Lawrencia have one another, they also know that they have the whole city–and our Hope Chicago community–behind them.
Hope Chicago’s unique two-generation approach seeks to positively impact our city’s economic future by investing in South, Southwest, and West Side families today.
The mission is bold. It’s audacious. It’s long overdue. And we can’t do it alone.
With your support, we can change the future of Chicago, one Scholar, one family, and one neighborhood, at a time.
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