Precious Mannie

When Precious Mannie was a high school senior, she applied to more than two dozen colleges, hoping for the kind of scholarship offer that would make her dream school a reality. Despite her strong academic record and long list of extracurriculars, the financial aid offers she received didn’t come close to what she needed. That is until she received an unexpected offer from City Colleges of Chicago.

Precious’ hard work in high school made her eligible to receive a college education at no cost through the Star Scholarship. She decided to enroll in Harold Washington College for its business program and downtown location. She says it was the best decision she could have made.

“People who haven’t gone to City Colleges don’t realize how many resources are available—and how much you can accomplish here,” Precious shared.

She joined TRIO, became a One Million Degrees scholar which provided financial and personal support, took advantage of tutoring services, and joined Phi Theta Kappa honor society—all while taking care of family responsibilities, including helping raise her baby sister.

“There were days I was babysitting and had to figure out how to still make class,” Precious said. “It felt like I would never graduate. My friends were going away to college, and I was still at home. But over time, I realized I was building something strong—a community. And now, a lot of those same friends are back home asking me how to register for City Colleges.”

Precious not only persevered—she thrived. Faculty and staff knew her by name. She was everywhere: at student events, meetings, and even a commercial shoot for City Colleges. Her hard work paid off. In addition to graduating in the spring of 2025, Precious received multiple scholarships to continue her education—including the Star Transfer Scholarship and the CME Group Star Partnership Mayoral Scholarship.

“I tell people to just apply. You never know what’s possible unless you try. Every opportunity I had started with a single application,” she said.

Precious is now deciding between transferring to Roosevelt University or Chicago State University, both of which offer strong business programs close to home. No matter where she lands next, she’s bringing the lessons of her City Colleges experience with her.

“I’ve learned to show up. Even when you’re tired. Even when it’s hard,” she said. “The more I showed up, the more doors opened. City Colleges gave me that chance—and I made the most of it.”