Kenneth Balcarcel

When Kenneth Balcarcel moved to the United States from Guatemala, he faced the daunting challenge of learning a new language while navigating life in a new country. He began learning English from an unexpected teacher: late night television.

“I was learning English from Conan O’Brien,” Kenneth joked. “It was not the best source, but it help me.”

Luckily, a more equipped teacher was waiting for Kenneth at Wilbur Wright College’s free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. While taking ESL courses, Kenneth worked the third shift at a factory and began working part-time at Truman. That moment marked the beginning of Kenneth’s remarkable career with City Colleges—one that has now spanned 13 years.

Learning and helping others has become a lifelong passion for Kenneth. After completing ESL courses, he became a credit student at Wright, earning his Associate of Arts. He holds two bachelor’s degrees, one from Northeastern Illinois University and one from DePaul University, a master’s degree from DePaul, and certifications from Harvard Kennedy School and Northwestern. He is currently part of the University of Chicago’s Civic Leadership Academy, a prestigious program that brings leaders dedicated to public service together.

Given all these accomplishments, Kenneth never forgot the institution that helped him get a new start in the United States. He returned to City Colleges to work in various roles at Truman and Wright Colleges and now works as Director of Compliance for Adult Education in the District Office. Throughout his career, Kenneth has remained committed to supporting adult learners like himself. Inspired by his own experience, he now advocates for programs that help students overcome language barriers and educational gaps.

“I firmly believe that learning English is like gaining a superpower—it opens doors and allows you to express your needs, dreams, and ambitions,” he said.

Kenneth attributes much of his success to the strong sense of community at City Colleges.

“Community is everything. When you have a support system, you’re more likely to achieve your goals,” he shared. “That’s what City Colleges offers—affordable education, flexible scheduling, and a network of people who genuinely want to see you succeed.”

Kenneth’s journey—from ESL student to a respected leader and advocate—showcases the power of education. His story is a testament to the mission of City Colleges: empowering individuals through learning and opening doors to new opportunities.

“I know firsthand how intimidating it can be to go back to school as an adult, to learn a new language, or to earn a degree later in life. My goal is to show students that they’re not alone, that there’s a path forward, and that their dreams are within reach,” Kenneth said.