City Colleges of Chicago

05/10/2026 | Press release | Archived content

WGN News reports: How a Kennedy-King College graduate is an inspiring example to her children and anyone who wants to go back to school

Tiara Davis graduated with high honors from Kennedy-King College and will begin pursuing her bachelor's degree in computer science at Illinois Institute of Technology this August at no cost, all thanks to the grants and scholarships she earned through her outstanding academic achievements and the seamless transfer from City Colleges to the university.

She credits her success to the unwavering support she received from One Million Degrees (OMD) and Kennedy-King College faculty and staff, as well as the encouragement of her beloved grandmother, who passed away a year ago.

"I originally attended Kennedy-King College to earn an advanced certificate, but with all the support I received from the Wellness Center, OMD, to the Statesmen Market, I was able to focus on my education and continue toward earning my associate degree," Davis said. "I still can't believe I graduated and am now pursuing my bachelor's degree at such a prestigious institution."

After graduating from Illinois Tech, Davis said she plans to work as a business analyst before accomplishing the next goal in her educational journey: Earning a master's degree to pursue a career as a data scientist to help create and impact public policy.

That's how Davis said she pays homage to the mothers who came before her in her family. Without people like her grandmother, Valerie Wilmington, Davis said she wouldn't be in the position she is in today.

"Maybe those mothers or those fathers, or just anybody that is looking to return to or step into themself, I hope [my story] gives them the permission to do so," Davis said.

Watch the video news interview on WGN News.

To learn more about how City Colleges of Chicago supports students as they transfer to four year colleges and universities, click here. or visit https://www.ccc.edu

Related News

Crain's Chicago Business reports: Building on its reputation, Chicago area, City Colleges of Chicago, becomes a force for workforce development

May 11, 2026

Pictured is Wilbur Wright College student and its Class of 2026 Valedictorian, Anas Ahmed. As reported by Crain's Chicago Business, Chicago is doubling down on...

Read more

USA Today reports: The Big Idea: Addressing Food Insecurity Among College Students, Statesmen Market at Kennedy-King College spotlighted

April 30, 2026

Veronica Herrero, president of the City Colleges of Chicago Foundation, says a welcoming and stigma-free environment is essential to student food markets. U.S. News: The...

Read more

WGN TV news: IBM, Gov. Pritzker announce new innovation hub that company says will create 750 new full-time jobs at South Side location

April 29, 2026

IBM is launching a new innovation hub on Chicago's South Side that the company says will create 750 new full-time jobs, with a portion of...

Read more

Chicago Tribune reports: Kennedy-King College market offers students fresh food for free in an area with limited grocery options

April 29, 2026

The Statesmen Market at Kennedy-King College in Englewood looks and feels like a regular grocery store. Students come in, pick up a cart or basket,...

Read more
City Colleges of Chicago published this content on May 10, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 12, 2026 at 17:25 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]