Last Thursday, June 11, 2020, Chicago State University (CSU) launched a new program, Cougar Commitment Initiative (CCI), which plans to establish an equal playing field for Black and Latinx students as it pertains to obtaining a college degree, being successful throughout their undergraduate journey and securing and maintaining wealth.
Since Zadwaynaka “Z” Scott became CSU president, she immediately began conversations with her team around student success.
After combining a series of data points such as the 26% decline in Black student enrollment in higher education (Board of Higher Education); the lack of access to funding; the vast majority of first-generation college students coming into CSU; and the ongoing technology divide between the Black community and the Majority community, especially now during a pandemic, CSU realized and understood that all of these impediments could influence an incoming freshman’s access to a college education.
Once students finish the program, they receive their CSU tuition-free for their first-year college experience.
We should see a commitment from corporate leaders to invest in our students and Chicago State, particularly around a program like this where we are likely to see significant success with Black and Latinx students’ access to college.
