Chicago Rivals Turn to College Unbound as Mentors and Graduates

A New Path to Education and Community Safety

In Chicago, a unique program is helping community leaders turn their life experiences into academic credentials. This initiative, called College Unbound, offers accredited bachelor’s degrees that allow individuals to leverage their lived experiences as coursework. By doing so, it empowers local leaders to make a difference in their neighborhoods.

From Rivals to Collaborators

Sam Castro and Nekenya Hardy are prime examples of how this program can transform lives. Once on opposite sides of street violence, they now work together to guide young people away from crime. Their journey highlights the power of education and collaboration in fostering safer communities.

The data supports their efforts. National and local studies show that higher education not only opens doors for individuals but also strengthens communities. Degree attainment is linked to lower crime rates, making education a critical tool in the fight against violence.

Education Meets Real Life

College Unbound meets students where they are, both physically and emotionally. The classroom isn’t confined to traditional settings; instead, it takes place in the communities where people already serve. The textbook is their lived experience, making learning relevant and accessible.

Adam Bush, who leads the program, explains that College Unbound is an accredited bachelor's degree designed to support learning wherever it occurs. Students gather in their communities, often around kitchen tables or in familiar classrooms, creating a strong connection between their daily lives and their educational pursuits.

Affordable and Accessible Learning

Tuition costs are kept low, with less than $500 per credit this year. Pell Grants and scholarships help further reduce the financial burden. Staff members assist students in mapping out a plan that fits around their busy lives, which often include raising families, caregiving, and holding down multiple jobs.

Seventy-five percent of higher education students are adult learners, balancing their education with various responsibilities. College Unbound ensures that no one is left behind in their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree.

Addressing Educational Disparities

Traditional higher education systems often leave many feeling disconnected. The City of Chicago Equity Dashboard reveals significant gaps in college degree attainment among different racial groups. Black and Latino Chicagoans, particularly in areas like Austin, West Garfield Park, and New City, have lower graduation rates compared to their white counterparts.

These disparities stem from years of disinvestment in neighborhoods of color and underfunded public schools. For many, the high cost of education made it seem unattainable. However, programs like College Unbound offer a path forward.

Transforming Visions into Reality

For Nekenya Hardy, the program transformed her vision into a tangible blueprint. Her core project involved creating a trade-for-trade initiative, helping young people at risk of gun violence earn certifications in trades instead of getting involved in crime. This approach not only provides them with skills but also offers a sense of purpose and direction.

Seeing mentors like Castro and Hardy working together fosters trust within the community. Their bond has created a sense of family among the youth, showing them that change is possible through education and support.

Graduation as a Catalyst for Change

Graduation day was more than just a ceremony; it became a celebration of community and resilience. Students walked in as a parade, accompanied by music that resonated with their experiences. Each graduate had the opportunity to share their story, turning the event into a town hall where everyone could reflect on the impact of education.

The energy from the graduation spread across the West Side, creating a ripple effect of hope and inspiration. For Sam Castro, the achievement was a powerful statement against the notion that Black and Brown boys can't succeed. He sees his degree as a victory for those who have been told they can't be anything.

A Call to Continue the Journey

Castro and Hardy encourage others to continue their educational journeys, emphasizing that progress doesn’t have to be rushed. Their message is clear: the goal is to finish, and every step forward contributes to a safer, stronger community.

When more people complete their education, crime rates tend to drop. National and Chicago data align on this point, reinforcing the idea that education is a key factor in community safety.

Through programs like College Unbound, individuals are not only gaining degrees but also becoming agents of change. Their stories remind us that education has the power to transform lives and build better futures for all.