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City Colleges of Chicago Unveils a Transformative Strategic Plan

On April 22, 2026, City Colleges of Chicago, the largest community college system in Illinois, announced a bold new strategic plan for the next five years, titled 'Forward, Together'. This plan aims to significantly enhance student success and contribute to the economic prosperity of Chicago. Chancellor Juan Salgado emphasized the initiative, stating, "Our progress is undeniable, but our future will be bolder. Forward, Together reflects who we are and who we will become for City Colleges students and our city – a catalyst for enduring financial prosperity."

Key Focus Areas of the Strategic Plan

The Forward, Together plan is rooted in four strategic pillars designed to empower students and strengthen the college's role in the community:

1. Unrivaled Student Supports: City Colleges aims to provide comprehensive support services, including food assistance, mental health counseling, and emergency financial resources. Collaborations with non-profit organizations like One Million Degrees are also in place to ensure that students feel a strong sense of belonging and care.

2. Equitable Completion Goals: The institution is committed to ensuring that 55% of all credential-seeking students across diverse demographics achieve their degrees or certificates or successfully transfer to four-year universities within four years by 2032. Achieving this goal will position City Colleges among the leading public colleges in the Chicago area for equitable educational outcomes.

3. Financial Prosperity Initiatives: City Colleges aims to cultivate enduring financial stability for students and alumni by delivering top-notch educational experiences across various career pathways.

4. Community Collaborations: The plan emphasizes enhancing collaborative efforts among community stakeholders, bolstering the ecosystem that supports student success.

Building on Previous Achievements

This strategic initiative builds on the college's recent successes, including a notable enrollment growth that surpassed state and national averages.
City Colleges has also seen remarkable gains among Black and Latine students, expanded access to high-demand academic programs in under-served areas, and strengthened partnerships with Chicago Public Schools to facilitate smoother transitions for students.

New Partnerships to Address Workforce Needs

To meet the challenges of an evolving job market, City Colleges has recently established significant partnerships. One such collaboration is with Cook County Health, through their innovative workforce initiative, HealthCatalyst, which received a $5 million investment from the Pritzker Traubert Foundation. This partnership will enable the development of a new training program for healthcare roles at Provident Hospital.
Additionally, City Colleges is teaming up with DMG Mori, a key player in advanced manufacturing, to enhance training programs and learning opportunities in this critical sector.

Philanthropic Support for Equitable Success

The City Colleges of Chicago Foundation plays an essential role in advancing the goals of the Forward, Together initiative. Foundation President Veronica Herrero highlighted the commitment to equity, stating, "Our 55 for All goal is a bold commitment to equity, and we're building the supports and new approaches it will take to reach it. Philanthropic investments will enable City Colleges to scale innovations that help Chicagoans achieve credentials and build wealth."

Student-Centric Strategies

Understanding the challenges students face, such as financial instability, childcare demands, and food insecurity, City Colleges is proactively deploying comprehensive services to improve retention rates. The Food Security for Life initiative, driven by a partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, is designed to provide continuous access to nutritious food for students.
Moreover, the college recognizes the shortages in various occupations including nursing, engineering, and trades. To tackle this, it is expanding program offerings and streamlining pathways for students into growing fields.

Preparing Students for the Future

In light of the rise of artificial intelligence, City Colleges is adapting its curriculum to incorporate trainings that prepare students to navigate these tools effectively. Recently, it was recognized as a regional lead institution for the AWS Machine Learning University, providing access to cloud-based educational resources to enhance student learning experiences.

A Success Story

Tyshawn Allison, a recent graduate of City Colleges, encapsulates the positive impact of this strategic plan. Reflecting on his unexpected decision to attend, he remarked, "What started as an unexpected change in plans became a place where I found community, built a strong academic foundation, and stayed focused on my long-term goal of becoming an accountant."

Conclusion

The Forward, Together strategic plan marks a significant milestone for City Colleges of Chicago as it seeks to redefine educational success and economic opportunity for its students and the broader community. By addressing the barriers to education and fostering meaningful partnerships, City Colleges is poised to make a lasting impact on the future of Chicago's workforce and its residents.

For more details on the Forward, Together strategic plan, visit the City Colleges of Chicago website.