Chicago
We help prepare Chicago students for a future of growth and opportunity
About College Possible Chicago
We believe a stronger Chicago begins by expanding equitable opportunities for students through education because a college degree is the surest pathway to economic mobility and the key to community vitality.
Founded in 2015, College Possible Chicago has grown to support more than 1,6001 students from Chicago’s under-resourced communities, helping them persist on the path to a college degree.
We work to fight Chicago’s educational inequity: a reported 75% of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) freshmen aspire to go to college but only 20% are projected to earn their bachelor’s degree within six years of graduating high school.2 This translates to over 20,000 CPS students each year who will not earn their bachelor’s degree, creating an opportunity gap in a system where 78% of students come from an economically disadvantaged background.3
College access and success programs offered in Chicago
Core Program
Our most comprehensive college access and success program. Eligible students receive at least six years of near-peer coaching support to navigate and overcome the most common barriers to getting into and through college. Learn more
Connects College Partnerships
Customized college partnerships to match, recruit, and support the college persistence and degree completion of College Possible students on partner campuses. Learn more
Partner schools
Thanks to our partnership with the Chicago Public Schools district, we’re currently serving eligible students in the following schools. Explore your student’s eligibility or apply
Recent news
Contact us or get involved
CONTACT INFORMATION
College Possible Chicago
833 N. Orleans St., Ste. 400
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: 312-638-3501
Email: CHIinfo@CollegePossible.org
MAKE A DONATION
Your contribution has an immediate impact. With your help, we can close the degree divide, build a competitive workforce and interrupt the cycle of poverty. Make a donation now
GET COLLEGE COACHING
If you are an eligible student who dreams of attending college and would like free support to find your best-fit colleges, submit applications, and finance your education, apply to College Possible Chicago using our simple application process. Learn more or apply now
PARTNER WITH US
Our strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations help us expand our reach and the breadth of support we provide to students nationwide. To explore partnership opportunities, contact our program team at CHIinfo@CollegePossible.org.
AMERICORPS: SERVE WITH US
If you are a current college student or recent grad interested in making a meaningful difference in the lives of youth, consider committing to a year of service as a College Possible Chicago AmeriCorps coach. Learn more about this life-changing service year
1 – Fiscal year 2023.
2 – UChicago Consortium on School Research, 2021. “The Educational Attainment of Chicago Public Schools Students: 2020.” https://toandthrough.uchicago.edu/postsecondary-attainment-indices
3 – Illinois Report Card, 2020–2021. https://www.illinoisreportcard.com 299025