City Colleges of Chicago

Congratulations to Olive-Harvey College President Dr. Kimberly Hollingsworth, an Eastern Illinois University alumna whose innovative leadership is being recognized for creating new pathways to education, workforce development, and economic mobility across Chicago. From pioneering Illinois' first accredited community college cannabis degree program to expanding career-focused training in aviation, engineering, logistics, and more, Dr. Hollingsworth continues to transform lives through the power of education. Read more: https://www.eiu.edu/media/viewstory.php?action=2049

Congratulations to former Olive-Harvey volleyball standout Rayon Thigpen (Simeon Career Academy) on signing with Chicago State University!

Rayon becomes the first NCAA Division I volleyball player in Olive-Harvey College history, a milestone for both the program and Head Coach Rakecia Jenkins.

This past season, Thigpen earned NJCAA All-Region First Team honors, capping off an outstanding career with the Panthers.

Good luck at Chi State, Rayon! Once a Panther, always a Panther! 💜💚🏐

This fall, City Colleges is proud to launch our Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Development program at Wilbur Wright College.

Learn more about this new program, and sign up for an information session, at https://coe.ccc.edu/tech/students/artificial-intelligence/

City Colleges of Chicago proudly welcomed faculty members from community colleges and higher education institutions across the country to Malcolm X College for the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Generative AI Bootcamp for College Faculty. Through hands-on learning, collaboration, and innovation, educators explored how generative AI and machine learning can transform teaching, curriculum development, and student success. As a leader in the Midwest AI/Machine Learning Initiative with AWS, CCC continues to advance opportunities that prepare faculty and students for an AI-powered future.

Join us this Thursday, July 23 from 12 noon-6:00 p.m. at Kennedy-King College for Chicago Tech Connect! Explore pathways in Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Software & Web Development, Cloud Computing, and Networking, while connecting with industry professionals, educators, and local organizations. Chicago Tech Connect is part of Chicago Tech Week, and is an exciting community event that brings together technology, education, and opportunity on the South Side of Chicago. Learn more and RSVP: https://colleges.ccc.edu/event/chicago-tech-connect/

Today, City Colleges of Chicago, Richard J. Daley College, and the Lester and Rosalie Anixter Center came together to celebrate 14 amazing students who have completed the After 22 program. The After 22 program serves students through academic and job skill development courses including competency-based, student-centered curricula to introduce and reinforce workplace soft skills, such as communication strategies, self-advocacy skills, professionalism, and navigating institutions. Learn more: https://colleges.ccc.edu/after-22/

The Accelerator of Community Colleges in the Innovation Economy has selected City Colleges of Chicago to be part of their Work-Based Learning Capacity-Building Cohort. We are proud to be one of only six community colleges selected for this national initiative led by New America and the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).

As part of this cohort, City Colleges will receive support to assess and strengthen work-based learning opportunities, including internships, apprenticeships, and other real-world experiences that help students build skills, professional networks, and pathways to rewarding careers.

We look forward to collaborating with industry partners and peer institutions to ensure even more students have access to meaningful career-connected learning experiences.

Read more:

Announcing the New America & ACCT Work-Based Learning Capacity Building Cohort - CCC "Through strong partnerships with employers and industry, City Colleges is committed to ensuring our students gain real-world experience, technical skills, and professional networks needed to thrive in today's rapidly evolving economy," said Corey Young, associate vice chancellor, City Colleges of C...

Kennedy-King College graduates Miranda and Yitlali became the first alumni from Washburne Culinary Institute Chicago to complete a year-long pastry placement in Ireland, where they sharpened their skills, gained international experience, and grew both personally and professionally. Now back in Chicago, they’re encouraging other students to take opportunities that push them beyond their comfort zones. “The only thing that’s stopping you is fear.” ✈️ 🍰

Read more: https://colleges.ccc.edu/2026/07/10/kennedy-king-college-graduates-bring-their-pastry-skills-to-ireland-and-home-again/