Joshua Adereti

Joshua Adereti is on a path to earn his bachelor’s degree tuition-free.

Six years ago, the UIC junior would’ve never imagined this scenario at all. He had just graduated high school but had to delay his dreams of college. Still, Joshua didn’t forget about continuing his education. He always wanted to study computer science, even in high school. He was fascinated with tech and the way it worked.

In 2020, Joshua jumped at the chance to return to school. One of his friends was a City Colleges student. He asked her about the process, her experience, and signed up immediately at Truman College.

Joshua took advantage of every opportunity available to him and became well acquainted with his advisor, Nancy Sullivan.

“She really made my experience at City Colleges worth it,” Joshua said. “Having her as an advisor is one of the reasons I am where I am today. She asked me what my plans were and was able to tailor my experience to help me reach my end goal.”

Joshua also became a One Million Degrees (OMD) scholar. OMD is an organization that partners with City Colleges to provide students with financial assistance, mentorship, and a community to support them in completing their education. The support, flexibility, and affordability that was provided to Joshua proved to be a good fit for him. He was glad he chose that route instead of heading straight to a four-year university.

“[City Colleges] gave me space to do things I want to do, when I wanted to do them,” he said.

Before graduating from Truman with an associate degree in computer science, Joshua decided he wanted to continue on and get his bachelor’s degree, but he wasn’t sure how to pay for it. Joshua’s fears disappeared when he was awarded the PepsiCo Foundation S.M.I.L.E. scholarship, which provides up to $ 25,000 to each recipient. The scholarship is designed to help students transition from one of PepsiCo’s designated partner community colleges, including City Colleges, to four-year colleges and universities. It also connects recipients to professional development opportunities, workforce readiness tools, and mentorship.

With the funding, Joshua transferred to UIC to study computer science with a concentration in computer systems. The College of Engineering at UIC awarded him a scholarship as well, and he received various grants. He was able to return some of the aid to use when he attends grad school.

“Now I can just focus on my education,” said Joshua. “It gives me the impression that people think highly of me, but I have to think highly of myself. It makes me want to do more, be more, learn more.”

As Joshua enjoys his first semester at UIC, he’s grateful his City Colleges education prepared him for his future.

“City Colleges really prepared me for this experience,” Joshua said. “It didn’t feel like there was a big jump from City Colleges to UIC. I don’t feel inferior to anyone else. Coming in as a transfer student, I don’t see a difference between the amount of knowledge [other students] have and I have.”

Eventually, Joshua wants to become a software engineer and make himself and all those who believe in him proud, especially his little brother who has always looked up to him.