City Colleges of Chicago to honor the Class of 2026 associate degree earners at Wintrust Arena on Saturday, May 2, 2026

Graduates from all seven colleges are vital drivers of inclusive economic growth and innovation in Chicago

CHICAGO– The City Colleges of Chicago Class of 2026 will become part of a distinguished group — graduates of the seven City Colleges. This year, a total of 4,275 students will earn their associate degree. Each student exemplifies resilience and commitment. Many will go on to four-year colleges and universities while others will embark upon their careers, contributing to a dynamic Chicago economy.

“The Class of 2026 is a testament to the soul of Chicago; our students are creative, bold and resilient,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson, City of Chicago. “These graduates will go on to lead and drive progress in our city, proving why we invest in our people. On behalf of the City, I congratulate the graduates of the City Colleges of Chicago on this incredible milestone.”

“Today, we celebrate the unwavering spirit of City Colleges students who didn’t allow any obstacle to stand in their way of a college degree,” said Chancellor Juan Salgado, City Colleges of Chicago. “This achievement reflects the incredible focus and hard work our graduates have poured into their futures. I am deeply moved by their journeys and confident that their tenacity will open doors for themselves and their families for a lifetime.”

“The Board of Trustees joins the entire city in celebrating the drive and achievements of the Class of 2026. We are thrilled to see that our graduates are claiming their seat at the table as the next generation of Chicago’s leaders and innovators. It is truly an honor to celebrate this tremendous accomplishment with them,” said Chair Katya Nuques, Board of Trustees, City Colleges of Chicago.

The City Colleges of Chicago 2026 Commencement for associate degree earners will take place in two ceremonies in the following order. End times are approximate:

Morning Ceremony                                                                            Afternoon Ceremony

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.                                                                        3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Kennedy-King College                                                                         Olive-Harvey College

Harry S Truman College                                                                     Malcolm X College

Richard J. Daley College                                                                     Harold Washington College

Wilbur Wright College

Both ceremonies will be live streamed, and can be watched here: www.ccc.edu/graduation.

City Colleges of Chicago Class of 2026 by the Numbers:

• 4,275 total associate degree earners (from Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026)
• 1,868 are first-generation college students or 44% of the graduates
• 1,051 are Star Scholars who earned their associate degree at no-cost (last dollar scholarship covering tuition and books)
• 150 are Early College students (students earning an associate degree while still in high school)
• The average age of graduates is 27 years old; the youngest graduate is 16 years old, and the oldest graduate is 77 years old

“Stepping back into the classroom after 17 years was one of the biggest challenges of my life, but it’s where I found my purpose. I had to learn again to be resilient, but every moment was worth it to discover my passion for social work and advocacy. As valedictorian, I hope my journey shows that it’s never too late to grow or pursue your goals. I’m ready to take everything I’ve learned at Kennedy-King College and move on to a four-year university with the goal of becoming a therapist to help others heal,” said Tamara Thomas, Kennedy-King College Class of 2026 Valedictorian.

About City Colleges of Chicago

As the city’s most accessible higher education engine of socioeconomic mobility and racial equity, City Colleges of Chicago catalyzes our students’ capacity to prosper and take part in building a stronger and more just Chicago.

Learn more about City Colleges of Chicago at www.ccc.edu.

Media contact: Veronica Resa | City Colleges of Chicago | vresa1@ccc.edu