City Colleges to Honor More Than 600 Illinois High School Diploma Earners (Chicago, IL) – City Colleges of Chicago will celebrate hundreds of adult learners this weekend as students who earned their Illinois High School Diplomas through the institution’s Adult Education program gather for a recognition ceremony honoring their achievements.
Approximately 640 students earned their Illinois High School Diploma during the 2025-26 academic year, with more than 300 graduates expected to participate in the ceremony on Saturday, June 13, at the UIC Forum in Chicago.
The event will bring together graduates, families, supporters, City Colleges leadership and city officials to recognize students who completed their diplomas while balancing work, family responsibilities and other life challenges.
“On this momentous occasion, I celebrate the determination and resilience of our students as they reach this important milestone,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said. “They have balanced work, family, and countless other responsibilities while pursuing their educational goals, proving that it is never too late to invest in your future.”
Among the graduates being recognized is Tracey Hartman, who said her decision to return to school was inspired by her daughter’s battle with a serious illness.
“Watching my child fighting against a deadly illness every day for months was the impetus for me to go back and earn my high school diploma,” Hartman said. “I wanted to be the mom she deserved.”
Hartman has already enrolled in summer classes at Kennedy-King College and plans to pursue a degree in cybersecurity. She also recently launched a nonprofit focused on helping families dealing with childhood illnesses.
City Colleges officials said the Adult Education program provides free GED and HiSET preparation classes at campuses, community sites and online, helping eliminate financial barriers for adult learners seeking educational advancement and career opportunities.
“Earning a high school diploma reflects the power of education to transform lives, expand possibilities, and inspire the next generation,” said City Colleges Chancellor Juan Salgado.
Vice Chancellor of Adult Education Luis Narvaez said diploma recipients are creating new opportunities for themselves while serving as role models within their families and communities.
“By earning their diplomas, students are unlocking new career opportunities, building long-term economic mobility, and setting powerful examples for their families and our communities,” Narvaez said.
The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 13, at the UIC Forum, 1213 S. Halsted St. Graduates will participate in traditional commencement attire, including caps and gowns.
The event is ticketed and closed to the general public.
City Colleges to Honor More Than 600 Illinois High School Diploma Earners
