Stories of Hope
Two Chicago generations are rising together. Learn More.
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Lidell Miller
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Lara, Making Dreams Come True
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Anthony at Kennedy-King College
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Emily at UIC
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Deandre to ISU
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César and Madai
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Malachi and Lee
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Logan and James
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Journey and Lawrencia
From Dreams on the Court to
Triumph in the Classroom:
Lidell’s Journey of Perseverance
November 2024,
Lidell always envisioned his future on the basketball court. A standout athlete at Morgan Park High School in Chicago’s Morgan Park neighborhood in the city’s far South Side, he played basketball with dreams of securing a Division I scholarship. Growing up low-income, sports seemed like his ticket to a better life. However, despite offers from mid-major schools, they weren’t the opportunities he had hoped for. His sights were set higher, and while the offers were promising, something wasn’t quite aligning with his aspirations.
Hope Chicago entered the picture in March 2022, partnering with Morgan Park High School to cover the full cost of attending college for Lidell and every student currently enrolled at his school. Lidell was able to envision a future as a student and not a student-athlete. "I never saw myself as going to college to study without basketball," he admits.
At first, the significance of what Hope Chicago was offering didn’t fully hit him. It took time for the realization to sink in. When it did, Lidell and his mother were astounded. For a family with only one extended relative having attended college, this was a monumental shift.
He ultimately chose to study Sports Administration at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC). His first semester at SIUC was a wake-up call. Sitting in his room during spring semester, he found himself reflecting deeply, asking, “What is my why?” College was very different from high school and he doubted his ability to adjust and succeed.
But support came from every direction. The SIUC Campus Contact and Hope Chicago staff rallied around him, helping him develop a plan to turn things around.
Lidell returned to SICU in August 2023 for the Fall Semester determined to learn the value of proactivity—attending office hours, seeking out campus resources, attending check-ins with his Campus Contact, and, most importantly, applying himself with discipline.
It wasn’t easy. Time management, procrastination, and the sheer workload of taking 18 credit hours per semester were major hurdles. But Lidell’s determination grew. “I want a better life for myself,” he says. “Nobody can get that for me but myself.” Slowly but surely, he began to see results. After pushing through his academic struggles, his grades improved dramatically—first A’s and B’s, and eventually, he made the Dean’s List both semesters!
Hope Chicago’s involvement has extended far beyond financial support. Hope Chicago’s involvement has extended far beyond financial support. “Hope Chicago sees something in me that I didn’t even see in myself,” Lidell says, reflecting on the care and guidance he received from mentors and staff.
“Hope Chicago sees something in me that I didn’t even see in myself.”
-Lidell Miller
In Summer 2024, he was taking classes at a local community college, determined to stay on track for his May 2026 graduation. Today, Lidell is not only back on course academically, he is thriving.
He’s now a Hope Ambassador at SIUC, speaking on panels at Hope Chicago’s summer transition conference, GoalGetters, and sharing his journey with Hope Scholars about to begin their freshman year in college. His mission is to help them avoid the mistakes he made and lead them to the same resources that turned his college experience around.
“It’s not even about Hope Chicago sending me to school for free. It’s about [the organization] being proactive and supportive,” Lidell says.
Despite his packed academic schedule, Lidell still finds time to play basketball—his original passion—which he credits with helping him decompress. With his eyes set on making the Dean’s List again and helping other students succeed, Lidell’s transformation is a testament to his resilience, the power of community, and the unique program model of unwavering support from Hope Chicago and its higher education partners.
Your generosity makes stories like Lidell’s possible.
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Hope Parent Scholar, Lara,
is making her dreams come true!
With the support of her extended village, Lara knows only to move forward
September 2024,
Hope Parent Scholar, Lara, balances a demanding life with remarkable resilience. Her eldest, Salvatore, is a Hope Scholar at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a 2023 graduate of Benito Juárez Community Academy in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood.
Lara works as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) specializing in psychiatric and drug addiction care. She also trains new nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants on the clinical techniques of working with patients. Her long-term goal is to earn a master’s degree to continue advancing in her knowledge and experience in nursing while her dream job is to teach clinical practice in hospital settings, combining her clinical experience with her passion for teaching.
Lara is nothing if not determined.
Today, Lara is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at National Louis University (NLU) and is set to graduate in fall 2025. This summer was particularly challenging for her, as an online statistics class proved difficult, especially with the heavy use of Excel, a program she’s not familiar with. Not one to give up, Lara leveraged the extensive resources that NLU offers and they set her up with an Excel course in preparation for taking the statistics class again this fall.
With her youngest starting school full-time in the fall, Lara plans to hit her studies hard with the valuable time she has while she’s on campus. For her this means getting as much of her homework and studying done in advance. Ensuring she gets facetime with her professors and schedules tutoring sessions. Every minute is valuable.
Lara admits that juggling school, work, and motherhood impacted her mental health this past term. She sought help from a counselor through NLU, who guided her through these challenges and provided valuable support.
As the fall term approaches at the end of September, Lara remains steadfast in fulfilling her dreams, one goal at a time.
With the support of her family, her children's teachers, NLU, the Hope Chicago team, and her colleagues at work, Lara continues to move in the only direction she knows: forward.
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Turning Passion
into Purpose
Anthony is taking his interest in cars and mechanics and making a career for himself.
September 2024,
Anthony has always been passionate about cars. In March of 2022, as he was preparing to graduate from Farragut High School in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood in the city’s South West side, his plan was to go straight into the workforce. He didn’t see himself as the “college type”.
Hope Chicago changed all of that with the promise of debt-free higher education for Anthony and every graduating senior at his high school. This gave him the confidence to enroll in Kennedy King College at City Colleges of Chicago in their Applied Science program where he could earn an Associates degree in Automotive Technology.
Anthony candidly shares that he “bombed” his first test, which was a wake up call that college was going to be a very different experience from high school. With Hope Chicago covering all of the expenses including books, transportation, and the cost of the tools he would need for his coursework, Anthony could dedicate valuable time to studying, which is exactly what he did. Every day before and after classes, Anthony can be found in the college library studying.
The summer of 2024 was pivotal for Anthony as he prepared to enter his final semester at Kennedy King College in the fall. He was focused on securing an internship that would give him hands-on experience. With the help of a friend who works at an auto repair shop, Anthony landed an internship at a reputable business near his home. He was proud of himself for taking the initiative and leveraging his network to secure the position.
The internship turned out to be a great experience. The staff were patient and encouraged him to improve. He learned not to give up, especially when faced with challenging repairs, and to take pride in his work. “Always look forward to completing the job,” Anthony reminded himself with each new task.
Now, as school begins again, Anthony is gearing up for his final two classes focused on the electrical components of vehicles. He’s excited and determined, knowing these skills will set him apart. “I want to love the job that people hate,” he says, understanding the opportunity for higher earnings in specialized areas like diesel truck maintenance.
Reflecting on his time at Kennedy King, Anthony feels grateful. “Hope Chicago made it easy for me because I could just focus on my studies,” he said. And he is motivated by the thought of making his family–and community–proud.
With his education and certifications, Anthony is prepared for a bright future, ready to take on the opportunities that come his way.
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From Undeclared to a
Career in College Advising
Meet Emily, one of Hope Chicago’s first class of Hope Scholars who is forging her path to success.
August 2024,
Emily grew up in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood and graduated from Benito Juárez Community Academy’s class of 2022. Despite her impressive 3.5 GPA, she felt uncertain about her future. Unsure of what she wanted to do for a career combined with the high cost of a four-year university, community college seemed like her only option.
Then, something extraordinary happened in March of 2022. Hope Chicago entered her life and changed everything. With the full cost of attendance covered and comprehensive support provided—not just for Emily, but for every graduating senior at her school—her outlook shifted. This life-changing opportunity gave Emily the confidence to enroll at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). Today she is a recently declared Sociology major. Fueled by her coursework at UIC and inspired by the impactful internship and mentorship experiences she’s gained through Hope Chicago, she is on her way to becoming a college advisor.
Emily’s journey is just one example of the thousands of Hope Scholars across Chicago who are now pursuing their dreams, forging careers, and achieving economic stability—all because of the support from Hope Chicago and our community of partners.
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Deandre to ISU:
A Student Success Coach Story
“It is a blessing in my life to have something like this. I would still be in the city working a random job if it weren't for Hope Chicago.”
- Hope Scholar, DeAndre
March 13, 2024.
Deandre is a bright young man pursuing a promising future in computer science at Illinois State University. Deandre had his sights set on attending college from the first day of freshman year at Noble Johnson College Prep in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood.
Deandre’s biggest hurdle was figuring out how to pay for his college education. Determined to get to college somehow, he had been applying to scholarship programs like QuestBridge, Posse, and Code Nation. He figured he would have to rely on loans to some extent and was working hard at earning strong grades in order to qualify for merit scholarships.
Then came the fateful day in May 2022 when Hope Chicago showed up at his school and announced that he and his classmates would have their college paid for upon graduation. For Deandre, it felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. It was his Junior year and instead of stressing about HOW he would pay for college–he already worked a part-time job at a local grocery store–he could start thinking about WHERE he would go to college.
By the Fall of 2023, Deandre was working closely with Hope Chicago’s Student Success Coach (SSC), Joy Thomas. SSCs are Hope Chicago staff members embedded at each of the five partner schools with the role of preparing students to navigate the intricate landscape of college readiness– another unique component of the Hope Chicago model for student success. SSCs are an additional resource to the schools’ college and career advising staff.
[Above] Hope Chicago Student Success Coach working with future Hope Scholar at Noble Johnson College Prep.
As an SSC, Joy coordinates a variety of activities designed to expose students to career opportunities, plan/prepare for college enrollment, and advises students on university selection based on the best match and fit for their situation. Match and fit are the foundation for a good college experience and determinant of college completion.
When it was time to decide on which college to attend, he sought Joy for direction on how to make the right choice. Joy helped Deandre to narrow down his “must haves” and connected Deandre to Hope Chicago’s Campus Contacts at those universities who took him on virtual tours of their school and provided a clear picture on what one could expect as a student there.
“I wanted a school with a computer science major and small class sizes where I wouldn’t feel lost in the crowd.
I chose Illinois State with Ms. Joy’s help, and I’m really happy with my decision.”
Today, Deandre is in the second semester of his Freshman year at Illinois State University where he is excelling academically–and socially. He proudly shares that he’s got a 3.5 GPA, is a member of the e-sports team (they came in third place in their division), and volunteers with the Photography Club. He’s developed a strong social network of peers and professors. Equally important, Deandre appreciates that he is a short train ride away from home so that he can still visit his 4-year old sister, who looks up to and adores her big brother, every few weeks.
“Hope Chicago is doing a wonderful job in providing us with resources and making sure we pass our classes, like tutoring and internships. I couldn't be more grateful.”
Donors to Hope Chicago are investing in the aspirations of Hope Scholars, like Deandre, and funding critical resources, including Student Success Coaches, to assist them in achieving their academic and career goals.
Your gift of any amount goes a long way in advancing our mission to create economic mobility for thousands of Chicago families.
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César & Madai
#LeadwithHope
César, a second-year Hope Scholar attending the University of Illinois Chicago, stepped up to the microphone to share his story under the Lincoln statue at the footsteps of the Capitol…
March 6, 2024.
My name is Cesar, and I am a Hope Scholar.
I am here today to speak in support of Hope Chicago and encourage leaders in Illinois to #LeadwithHope.
Before Hope Chicago, the idea of going to college was limited—since taking a break from my studies or working every day to save money was the most realistic option for me.
My plan after graduating high school also was to go into a community college or join the military to save and pay the debt of my college experience.
When Hope Chicago made their announcement at my high school, Benito Juarez, I felt relieved because my family would no longer have to pay for my postsecondary education along with me.
With the financial barrier to college removed, I was able to focus on my studies without experiencing financial difficulties with my college decision-making. I want to thank my high school’s postsecondary team and my Hope Chicago Student Success Coach for helping me with my decision-making process.
I now attend the University of Illinois Chicago, where I am majoring in Nutrition Science.
Attending college without having to be concerned about money makes me feel stress-free because not only myself but both of my parents were willing to pay the debt of college, and now with Hope Chicago, I can make them proud without having financial issues. What happens to me; affects them too.
One thing I have learned about myself so far in my college experience is that I am capable since I am a first-generation college student.
Knowing that I will graduate debt-free with my degree makes me feel safe and satisfied.
I think what Hope Chicago is doing for students like me is opening the doors of success through motivation and support
Students like me want the opportunity to reach their full potential and pursue meaningful careers.
When I think about all current and future Hope Scholars and Hope Parent Scholars earning degrees debt-free, I think the future for Chicago and Illinois will be the most stable in every sense. We will have the opportunity to support future generations through our own experiences.
Thank you to everyone here for your support today, tomorrow, and beyond.
As members of the Hope Chicago family, every day we show Chicago and Illinois what is possible when you lead with… (Cêsar points to the audience…).
“HOPE!”
A sustained 30% increase in postsecondary enrollment at Hope Chicago’s five partner high schools since 2022. Over 1,200 Hope Scholars enrolled in an Illinois institution to date—with 2,000 future Hope Scholars’ opportunities still to come.
When we #LeadwithHope, we can evolve higher education outcomes in Illinois and transform communities. Join us and #LeadwithHope.
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Malachi & Lee:
Nore More Dreams Deferred
December, 2023.
On a gorgeous fall day, Malachi walks through the tree-lined campus at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) in downstate Illinois, confident of his place on campus and clear on what he has to do to succeed. It has been a goal of his to attend college some day–how to finance it was the question.
Malachi is a graduate of Morgan Park High School in Chicago’s far South Side. Malachi has been curious and academically exceptional from a young age. Despite his talents and because of the exorbitant cost of attending college, Malachi and his dad, Lee, thought his best options after graduation would be to get a job or join the military.
Fate intervened in their life in February 2022 when Hope Chicago announced that all currently enrolled Freshmen through Seniors–and one parent/caregiver–would have the opportunity to attend college, debt-free! At the time, Malachi was a Junior and hearing this news was truly unbelievable mostly because it made a tough choice incredibly easy. He would be able to go directly to a four-year college.
“Study hard, get the work done, and find your people who will keep you on track. ”
Today, he’s a Freshman at SIUC studying Psychology with plans to go into a career as a therapist but he’s keeping his options open. Curiosity has always been a driving force for Malachi. It’s this curiosity—and a desire to succeed–that will propel him to triumph in any field he chooses.
Malchi’s dad, Lee, is on his way to completing his degree in computer science at Harold Washington College part of City Colleges of Chicago. Being a #goalgetter himself, he’s also taking advantage of Hope Chicago’s partnership with Jump Hire by participating in their workforce development program where he’s preparing for a career in IT. “I’m looking forward to completing my degree, having confidence in my success, and to providing a better life for Malachi and his younger brother.”
Families like theirs deserve every opportunity to gain economic mobility.
Together, we can build a movement for a brighter tomorrow for thousands of Chicago families.
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Logan & James:
“Together, We Rise.”
November, 2023.
It was a sunny afternoon in June when Logan walked across the stage at Arie Crown Theatre to accept his high school diploma as a graduate of Benito Juarez Community Academy, in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood on the city’s Southwest side. His family sat among the crowded auditorium cheering him on. It was the end of one chapter in life and the beginning of a new one–a chapter that up until one year ago, was intended to have a very different storyline for Logan.
Having seen his parents struggle to finance his older sisters’ college educations, Logan’s plans did not include going to college right after high school. With a 3.2 GPA, Logan planned to get a job as a barista or a customer service rep at the airport where his mom works.
It’s this cycle of crippling debt that has kept thousands of low-income families from gaining economic mobility and building generational wealth.
In May of 2022, Hope Chicago intervened in Logan’s life, and that of 4,000 students at five Chicago Public High Schools. Logan and his peers now have the opportunity to pursue a post-secondary education, debt-free, along with one parent.
Fast forward to graduation day in June 2023 and a beaming Logan accepted his diploma, the gleam in his eyes reflecting the bright future that lies ahead. Just a few weeks ago, Logan started his freshman year at Loyola University Chicago where he’s majoring in International Business and exploring a potential career in Marketing. He’s not worried about loans or working multiple jobs to pay for college–he’s focused on earning strong grades, making new friends, and learning to be independent. He’s also thinking about studying abroad in Japan come junior year.
As part of our two-generation model, James, Logan’s father, is investing in a second career after nearly 33 years with the Chicago Transit Authority. James is attending City Colleges of Chicago to prepare for an in-demand career in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, increasing his earning power and uplifting his whole family.
This narrative to James’ biography is a departure from where he began after graduating from Benito Juarez High School in the late 80’s. After one semester at Daily College, James had to make the tough choice of “stopping out” in order to work to support himself as he was already living on his own at 18 years old. Rent, groceries, bills, responsibilities, they all added up and he had no choice but to focus on working full time to make ends meet.
Today, James is back at City Colleges. This time, there won’t be anything standing in his way. Not having the burden of taking on more parent loans, means his second career in HVAC will go a long way in providing for his family.
Families like theirs deserve every opportunity to gain economic mobility.
Together, we can build a movement for a brighter tomorrow for thousands of Chicago families.
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August, 2023.
This fall, we’re thrilled to welcome our second class of Hope Scholars and Parent Scholars to their postsecondary pathways. One of these inspiring Scholar/Parent duos are Journey and her mom, Lawrencia. It’s stories like theirs that ground us in our commitment to removing barriers to opportunity and uplifting entire families.
Journey, a Morgan Park High School graduate in Chicago’s far South Side, recently started her sophomore year at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) where she’s majoring in Journalism and is considering law school upon graduation in 2026.
Lawrencia, a native Chicagoan and fellow graduate of Chicago Public Schools, has raised her family in the city’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood. Lawrencia had been enrolled at SIUC until a pregnancy changed the course of her life. As her family grew, so did the distance between Lawrencia’s reality and the hope of one day going back to school for a career in health care.
When Hope Chicago announced its scholarships to students and their parents at Morgan Park High in February of 2022, Journey and Lawrencia did not fully comprehend the meaning of the opportunity–it was surreal! Today, Journey has a full year of debt-free college under her belt, and Lawrencia will begin her second chance at a bachelor’s degree through Western Governors State University’s online program this month.
Journey and Lawrencia are strong, positive role models for Journey’s younger siblings. They are charting a course to realize their dreams and gaining experience in higher education so they can guide the next generation. More importantly, they are each other’s encouragement as they confront the challenges of life.
Journey & Lawrencia:
Inspiring Scholar/Parent Duo
Just as Journey and Lawrencia have one another, they also know that they have the whole city–and our Hope Chicago community–behind them.
Hope Chicago’s unique two-generation approach seeks to positively impact our city’s economic future by investing in South, Southwest, and West Side families today.
The mission is bold. It’s audacious. It’s long overdue. And we can’t do it alone.
With your support, we can change the future of Chicago, one Scholar, one family, and one neighborhood, at a time.
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