City Colleges of Chicago to Honor Star Scholars at Malcolm X College Ceremony (Chicago, IL) – City Colleges of Chicago will recognize hundreds of students in its Star Scholarship program during a cording ceremony Monday evening at Malcolm X College.
The event, scheduled for 6 p.m. April 20 at the college’s Sports Center, will celebrate Star Scholars preparing to earn their associate degrees. Program remarks are set to begin at 6:15 p.m. Organizers expect more than 1,000 Star Scholars to complete their degrees during the 2025–26 academic year.
During the ceremony, each student will be called by name and presented with a Star Scholarship cord to wear at graduation, which will take place May 2 at Wintrust Arena. A large crowd of family members, faculty and supporters is expected to attend.
Students and program leaders say the scholarship has had a significant impact on participants by reducing financial barriers and expanding opportunities.
“The Star Scholarship gave me the freedom to choose my future without fear,” said Natalia Santos, president of the Star Scholarship Ambassador Enrollment Team and a student at Richard J. Daley College. “Instead of worrying about how to afford school, I was able to grow, lead, and fully invest in my college education.”
Star Scholarship Director Rhonda Hampton said the program helps open doors for students who may not have otherwise pursued higher education.
“It’s a privilege to support students through the Star Scholarship program, which not only provides financial assistance but also opens doors for those who may not have seen college as a possibility,” Hampton said. “Celebrating their accomplishments at the Star Scholar Cording Ceremony is truly rewarding.”
The Star Scholarship program covers tuition for eligible City Colleges students, aiming to increase college completion rates and prepare graduates for the workforce or transfer to four-year institutions.
City Colleges of Chicago to Honor Star Scholars at Malcolm X College Ceremony
