Chicago Public Schools Celebrates CPS Graduates’ College Enrollment and Success

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CHICAGO - Chicago Public Schools (CPS) administrators, staff, and students on Monday gathered to share the latest milestones and insight on how to help more Chicago youth enroll and graduate from colleges and universities. It was the last of six stops CPS leaders have been making in the past month to celebrate the early college and career successes across one of the country's largest public school districts.

"I am encouraged not only by the data, but by the powerful stories behind it. Every milestone we reach and every student I meet reflects the meaningful progress happening across our District," said Dr. Macquline King, Interim CEO/Superintendent of Chicago Public Schools. "These successes give me great confidence that we are expanding opportunities for Chicago's young people to thrive in their educational journeys and well beyond."

Path to Success Lined with Early College Milestones
College enrollment and persistence are among the early college and career indicators the District tracks - along with credential attainment and scholarships earned - to ensure CPS students are prepared for success after graduation. Under Success 2029: Together We Rise, the District's five-year strategic plan, CPS set a goal to increase the percentage of graduates earning advanced course credits or career credentials from 49 percent in 2024 to 70 percent by 2029. In 2025, CPS made progress toward that target, with 56.3 percent of graduates earning at least one credential through Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Credit or Dual Enrollment, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, the State Seal of Biliteracy, Career and Technical Education, internships, or Junior ROTC.

The Class of 2025 achieved several historic milestones:
- 211 graduating seniors earned both a high school diploma and an associate degree.

- More than 1,000 graduates completed 15 or more transferable college credits - the equivalent of a full semester of college.

- More than 6,600 students earned over 66,000 early college credits, generating an estimated $10 million in tuition savings for CPS families, the highest in District history.

Together, these outcomes show that CPS students have more opportunities than ever to challenge themselves academically, explore their interests, and earn meaningful credentials before graduation. Over the past month, CPS has been celebrating these achievements and highlighting exemplary schools, staff, and students.

School Spotlight: Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center
On Monday, CPS leaders, including the Chief of College and Career Success Megan Hougard, toured the Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center, where more than 86 percent of the school's Class of 2024 enrolled in college (2-year or 4-year) and 92 percent of graduates who enrolled in college from the prior year are persisting into their second year in college.

Across the District, the percentage of graduates persisting into their second year in college has increased by about two percentage points - climbing from 73 percent in School Year 2024 to 75 percent in School Year 2025.
At Von Steuben, a dedicated team of counselors plays a central role in guiding students toward academic and postsecondary success. They help students identify advanced courses that match their strengths and goals, explore colleges and universities aligned with their interests, and navigate every step of the application and financial aid process. Counselors work closely with students and families so that enrolling in higher education feels achievable and supported.

Their work continues even after graduation. Counselors stay in touch with alumni to better understand the barriers they may face in college - whether academic, financial, or personal - and provide resources, guidance, and referrals to help them stay enrolled and on track to earn a degree. By maintaining these long-term relationships, the counseling team ensures students not only reach college but also have the support they need to persist and succeed once they're there.

Principal Sutton also attributes the school's strong college enrollment and persistence rates in part to its robust leadership opportunities. At the center of this work is Link Crew, a leadership program that empowers upperclassmen to support incoming freshmen, facilitate team-building activities, and create meaningful mentoring relationships. Interest in serving as a Link Crew Leader has surged in recent years, reflecting the program's growing influence on the school culture.

"At Von Steuben, our students form authentic mentor-mentee relationships that elevate leadership, teamwork, and peer support, creating a positive and academically encouraging environment," said Principal Sutton. "These connections have played a pivotal role in motivating our students and giving them the confidence they need to pursue and persist in their postsecondary goals."

For senior Siefora Beraki, Link Crew was transformational. As a freshman, she suffered a knee injury that caused extended absences, and she credits Link Crew members with consistently checking in, helping her regain her academic footing, and welcoming her back into the school community. The experience made such an impact that Siefora is now president of Link Crew, and she continues to stay connected with the former leaders who supported her recovery.

"Without Link Crew, I would not have the confidence or leadership opportunities that allow me to speak up the way I do," she said. "This kind of peer support helps students stay grounded, build relationships, and strive to be their best."