City Colleges Offer Free Ride To CPS Graduates With High GPA
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The City Colleges of Chicago have announced a special scholarship program for students of the Chicago Public Schools.
WBBM Newsradio Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports the Chicago STAR Scholarship, which stands for Students Taking Academic Responsibility, would be offered to CPS graduates with a grade point average of at least 3.0, and who place into college-level math and English programs, and enroll in one of the various so-called "pathways" at any of the seven City Colleges of Chicago.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel said the scholarship would include full waivers of tuition and fees, and cover the cost of books.
"I really do believe in responsibility and opportunity going together. If you get a 3.0 in the Chicago Public Schools, at our community college it's going to be free. You're not going to bear costs," he said. "I do believe in that – I wouldn't call it a contract, but it is a social contract of some value – that if you do your part, we have an obligation as a community to provide you that opportunity for success."
The mayor noted the costs of tuition and books are one of the major reasons students either drop out of college, or decide not to enroll in the first place.
Officials estimated between 800 and 2,000 students could qualify for the scholarships. The City Colleges will pick up the cost of approximately $2 million worth of STAR scholarships.
City Colleges Chancellor Cheryl Hyman said the scholarship program is another step in the effort to help students succeed.