CHICAGO, August 20, 2026: Chicago CRED celebrated 91 participants who earned high school diplomas during its tenth annual graduation ceremony at the South Shore Cultural Center. The milestone brought the total number of CRED participants who have earned diplomas through Penn Foster High School to 489 since 2016.
Chicago CRED works with individuals on Chicago’s South and West Sides who are at the highest risk of shooting or being shot. Through street outreach, life coaching, trauma-informed counseling, education, job training and employment support, CRED helps participants transition away from violence and build safer, more stable futures.
For many graduates, earning a diploma represented far more than an academic achievement. It marked an important step toward employment, postsecondary education and greater economic opportunity. It also reflected their determination to complete their education while overcoming significant personal and systemic barriers.
“This graduation was one of the most joyful and meaningful moments of our year,” said Arne Duncan, founder of Chicago CRED. “Many of our graduates never had the opportunity to walk across a stage and hear their families and communities celebrate them. They proved what is possible when people are surrounded by consistent support, meaningful opportunities and individuals who believe in their potential. These diplomas represent determination, hope and a new path forward.”
Chicago CRED’s education program provides participants with individualized academic support through Penn Foster’s online learning platform. Education coaches work alongside life coaches and other staff members to help participants remain engaged, overcome challenges and reach graduation.
“Each diploma represented a participant who made the courageous decision to return to school and finish what they started,” said Dr. Akima Anderson, who oversees educational programming at Chicago CRED. “Our graduates gained more than academic credentials. They developed confidence, discipline and real-world skills that will help them pursue employment, continue their education and create new possibilities for themselves and their families.”
The ceremony brought graduates together with their families, coaches and CRED staff to celebrate their accomplishments. For some participants, it was their first opportunity to walk across a graduation stage and receive public recognition for reaching this important milestone.