WGN News reports: How a Kennedy-King College graduate is an inspiring example to her children and anyone who wants to go back to school

Tiara Davis graduated with high honors from Kennedy-King College and will begin pursuing her bachelor’s degree in computer science at Illinois Institute of Technology this August at no cost, all thanks to the grants and scholarships she earned through her outstanding academic achievements and the seamless transfer from City Colleges to the university.

She credits her success to the unwavering support she received from One Million Degrees (OMD) and Kennedy-King College faculty and staff, as well as the encouragement of her beloved grandmother, who passed away a year ago.

“I originally attended Kennedy-King College to earn an advanced certificate, but with all the support I received from the Wellness Center, OMD, to the Statesmen Market, I was able to focus on my education and continue toward earning my associate degree,” Davis said. “I still can’t believe I graduated and am now pursuing my bachelor’s degree at such a prestigious institution.”

After graduating from Illinois Tech, Davis said she plans to work as a business analyst before accomplishing the next goal in her educational journey: Earning a master’s degree to pursue a career as a data scientist to help create and impact public policy.

That’s how Davis said she pays homage to the mothers who came before her in her family. Without people like her grandmother, Valerie Wilmington, Davis said she wouldn’t be in the position she is in today.

“Maybe those mothers or those fathers, or just anybody that is looking to return to or step into themself, I hope [my story] gives them the permission to do so,” Davis said.

Watch the video news interview on WGN News.

To learn more about how City Colleges of Chicago supports students as they transfer to four year colleges and universities, click here. or visit www.ccc.edu