In what has become an annual highlight, 86 participants in Chicago CRED, a violence prevention program active on the South and West Sides, received high school diplomas during today at South Shore Cultural Center. Today’s ceremony brings the total number of CRED participants who have earned high school diplomas to 322 in seven years.
CRED Founder Arne Duncan said, “I am so proud of every one of them. They have overcome so many barriers to walk across that stage and they are now in a much better position to get a job, live safely and move ahead with their lives.”
CRED Education Director Elaine Henton said that the participants have been earning their high school degrees through Penn Foster, a fully accredited on-line, virtual high school. She also said that many CRED participants have continued their education after high school, earning job-training certificates and enrolling in college-level classes.
“The sky is the limit for these young men and women. They have the smarts and the leadership skills to succeed,” Ms. Henton said, adding, “The degree really puts them on a path forward.”
Media coverage links below
https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/i-feel-good-more-than-80-chicago-cred-graduates-receive-diplomas
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/graduation-day-chicago-cred-gun-violence-survivors/