CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The former head of the Chicago Public School system said she is finding success with an organization trying to lift the burden of paying for colleges from the backs of some students.
Former CEO Janice Jackson told the City Club of Chicago Monday that her organization Hope Chicago has heard the pleas from students who want to earn college degrees but cannot afford to begin or complete their studies.
“It’s really heartbreaking to hear stories like that, where students who have essentially done every single thing that we’ve asked them to do, struggle with the next step after high school,” Jackson said. “Some of them have made choices that weren’t their top choices because of money, and, worst of all, some of them have made the choice not to go to college.”
Her nonprofit is funding scholarships and non-tuition costs for graduates at five CPS schools and their families.
“When we made this announcement and gave students a debt-free opportunity, we saw increases across the academic spectrum, but we saw the largest increases coming from the academic middle,” Jackson said.
They're trying to raise more money for more students.
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