For Dean Alicia J. Rodriguez, leading the Arturo Velasquez Institute (AVI) is deeply personal. Having grown up in the Little Village neighborhood, she’s driven by a mission to expand access to education for adult learners and families seeking a better future in her community. 

Bridgette Jones began her academic journey in Tucson, Arizona, pursuing a nursing degree at her local community college.

When Simiat first heard about City Colleges of Chicago’s Early College Program as a junior at Dr. Martin Luther King College Prep High School, she knew it was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.

After exploring her options for an affordable education, Arani made a life-changing decision. She enrolled at Malcolm X College where she soon joined the Surgical Technology program.

For Tyler, City Colleges provided more than a degree—it gave her a community and a sense of direction.

When Mbali arrived in the United States from South Africa, she knew she wanted to continue her education and pursue a career in business.