Roadmap
Working together, Chicago’s students will be ready for any opportunity on the path ahead. Let’s Go.
The Chicago Roadmap innovates and implements a suite of structural supports and programs. We center the five pillars of our work around equity to better support the path to college and career for diverse students and learners.
A comprehensive effort, the Chicago Roadmap deepens collaboration between CPS and CCC in the following areas:
Academic Readiness & Success
Our Goal: Ensure our students receive high-quality, well-aligned instructional practice across CPS and CCC.
The Need
More than two-thirds of our students are not completing gateway math; only 19% of Black students are college-ready in math.
Meeting the need
Expand opportunities for students to graduate high school ready for college and success in their chosen pathway.
CPS and CCC faculty build shared understanding and collaborate around instructional practice.
Access to High-Quality Programs
Our Goal: Work with students to get ahead and earn early college credits while in high school.
The Need
Students who get an early taste of college-level coursework learn study skills and time management. They are also more likely to complete a post-secondary credential, often at a lower overall cost.
Meeting the need
Implement strategic dual credit pathways aligned to credentials with strong labor market value.
Build on the impact and success of the Star Scholarship.
Student Advising and Supports
Our Goal: Support students’ ability to earn a post-secondary credential within a reasonable time and cost, while providing them with other resources to ensure they graduate from CCC.
The Need
Many students do not fully understand the financial implications of college choices, adversely impacting students’ debt and ability to graduate. Struggling students also need targeted academic interventions to stay on track, and wraparound supports to help them overcome difficulties along the way. For example, African American CPS graduates who complete a semester at CCC are the least likely to ultimately graduate from CCC (61% vs. 71% of all CCC students).
Meeting the need
Empower students to make sound financial decisions about their post-secondary choices.
Expand and enhance academic advising and wraparound supports for all students at CCC, with particular emphasis on connecting diverse learners to disability supports.
Career Exploration & Preparedness
Our Goal: Encourage students to explore college and career trends earlier and with a path or goal in mind.
The Need
Students who enter a post-secondary program with a clear goal in mind––a major and a career path they want to pursue––are more likely to earn a credential.
Meeting the need
Embed career and post secondary exploration starting in middle school.
Increase access to high-quality educational and work opportunities across Chicago.
Strong Partnership Between CPS & CCC
Our Goal: Increase alignment between CPS and CCC for a sustained, successful partnership, which will improve the college and career success rates of our shared students.
The Need
Students face different administrative deadlines, admissions requirements and enrollment systems that hinder their ability to make timely, best-fit post-secondary choices. We must communicate consistently, work together efficiently, and hold each other accountable to make sure our students do not fall through the cracks.
Meeting the need
Streamline the student enrollment experience at CCC.
Build sustainable infrastructure for long-term collaboration between CPS and CCC.