GED to CEO: Adult Education is Changing Lives in Chicago
In the heart of Chicago, behind the skyline and the rush of daily life, stories of quiet triumph are unfolding. They begin not in corner offices, but in GED classrooms—in the determination of adult learners who refuse to let their past define their future. These are the stories of everyday Chicagoans who turned second chances into stepping stones, transforming not just their careers, but their entire lives.
Nathan’s New Chapter
Nathan once worked construction jobs across the South Side, picking up shifts wherever he could. The pay was inconsistent, and the future uncertain. Then one day, he walked into a GED prep class offered through City Colleges of Chicago's Adult Education program. It was a small step that would change everything.
With guidance from instructors who understood both the academic and emotional journey of adult learners, Nathan earned his GED. He didn’t stop there—he enrolled full-time in a career training program and now works in a leadership role within a commercial HVAC firm. Nathan says the GED was more than a credential: "It was the first time I felt like I could choose my direction."
A Graduation of Grit
In June 2025, the UIC Forum lit up with cheers and caps in the air. Over 250 adult learners crossed the stage at the City Colleges of Chicago Adult Education Graduation, many holding their diplomas in one hand and their children in the other.
These weren’t traditional students—they were parents, caregivers, workers, and dreamers. Some arrived in the U.S. speaking little English. Others had paused their education decades ago. But here they were, proof that the pathway to higher education doesn’t have an expiration date.
For many, the next stop is college or vocational training. And for all, that diploma represents more than academic progress—it’s a statement of resilience.
Leading by Example: José Aybar
Not every leader begins their career with a perfect transcript. José M. Aybar, President of Richard J. Daley College, knows the power of second chances. Though not a GED graduate himself, he’s spent his career championing adult learners—especially within Chicago’s Latino communities.
Under his leadership, Daley College has expanded its adult education offerings, including GED and ESL classes. He often tells students, "Where you start does not dictate where you end." His life and leadership are testaments to that truth.
The Bigger Picture
Behind every diploma is a story. And behind every story is a network of support—mentors, community colleges, nonprofits like One Million Degrees, and family members who believe in the power of education.
GED programs in Chicago do more than teach math or reading; they restore confidence, build pathways to careers, and connect learners to opportunities they may have never thought possible.
These stories reflect a growing movement: education as empowerment, regardless of when it begins.
How to Get Involved or Start Your Journey
Interested in enrolling? Visit City Colleges’ Adult Education or St. Augustine College’s GED Program to explore free GED options.
Want to support learners? Volunteer or donate to One Million Degrees, which helps adult students with financial and coaching support.
Know someone who’s thinking about going back to school? Share this article. Their story might be next.
Chicago is full of grit, hustle, and resilience—and nowhere is that more evident than in the GED classrooms turning out tomorrow’s leaders. These are the CEOs of their own stories. And they started with a single choice: to try again.
