Hope Chicago and City Colleges Celebrate Over 150 Hope Parent Scholars at “Holiday Hope Day”

On Saturday, December 7, Kennedy-King College was alive with the spirit of determination and celebration as Hope Chicago hosted its “Holiday Hope Day” event. It was a celebration of the hard work of more than 150 Hope Parent Scholars who are pursuing postsecondary and workforce education at no cost through Hope Chicago’s innovative two-generation model.

The event brought together Hope Parent Scholars, Hope Scholars, and their families, alongside Hope Chicago’s CEO Dr. Janice K. Jackson and City Colleges of Chicago Chancellor Juan Salgado. Of the 150 Hope Parent Scholars celebrated, 50 are continuing their education at City Colleges.

Hope Chicago’s Parent Scholar Program provides parents and guardians of Hope Scholars—students who graduated from specific CPS high schools with full-tuition scholarships from Hope Chicago—with access to fully debt-free postsecondary education and workforce training of their own. Parents can choose from pathways in business administration, education, healthcare, technology, and skilled trades, with options to earn their Illinois High School Diploma, college degree, or workforce credentials without financial burden. The parents’ children are also able to pursue higher education as Hope Scholars, allowing for two generations to obtain their education at the same time.

Attendees at “Holiday Hope Day” had the chance to hear directly from Hope Parent Scholars like Veronica Segovia about how access to debt-free education and wraparound supports are transforming their lives and the lives of their families.

Veronica moved to the United States from Mexico 30 years ago. She spent that time raising her three children and working as a fitness instructor. She never dreamed of going to college herself. She received the surprise of a lifetime when she learned about Hope Chicago and the Hope Parent Scholar Program during a meeting at her son’s school, Benito Juarez High School. Because English is not Veronica’s first language, she later confirmed the details with her son’s principal.

“It was unbelievable,” Veronica said. “They explained it to me in Spanish, and I started crying. I paid for my kids to go to college, but I didn’t think it would be possible for me to go to college.”

Veronica prepared to earn her high school diploma and studied English as a Second Language (ESL) for free through City Colleges’ Adult Education program before using her scholarship to begin psychology studies at Daley College. She currently has a 4.0 GPA. In the future, Veronica plans to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and become a psychologist. She especially wants to work with immigrant women who may find it challenging to adjust to a new country or who may have trouble connecting with their children.

Now, Veronica and her youngest son, who is a student at UIC, do homework together on the weekends. Her daughter taught her how to use a laptop, and her oldest son calls often to make sure Veronica completes her assignments.

“I’ve been a fitness instructor for many years,” Veronica said. “I’m getting older, and this degree will help me do something else when my body can’t handle being a fitness instructor. I’m excited to be able to help my community.”

Malcolm X College student Nathaly Baute has a similar story. Through the Hope Parent Scholar Program, she took ESL classes before transitioning to earn her basic certificate as a Community Health Worker. She too maintains a 4.0 GPA and will complete her program soon.

“The Hope Parent Scholar Program is an amazing opportunity,” Nathaly said. “I have a lot of dreams, and now, I can help my family and my friends. I want to study social work so I can help others.”

The Parent Scholar Program thrives through partnerships with higher education institutions and workforce organizations, including City Colleges of Chicago. These partnerships offer flexible learning opportunities tailored to busy parents, helping them achieve their educational and career aspirations while supporting their families.

Learn more about Hope Chicago here.