Partners in Education

Program Overview

CHA residents can earn a certificate or a degree from City Colleges of Chicago for free or low cost. This is possible through a partnership with CCC called Partners in Education (PiE). PiE covers expenses such as tuition, uniforms, books, and exam fees. The program is on a rolling basis, however there are important dates to consider. Please click here to see important dates.

Interested in obtaining your GED with CCC? 

Interested in earning college credit with CCC while in high school?

Benefits of the Program

PiE participants are eligible for the following support.

• Help with the enrollment process
• Academic advising
• Referrals for career coaching
• Tuition and other expenses

Eligibility for the Program

Program eligibility for CHA residents includes

• Must be a current CHA resident 
• Must have a High School Diploma or GED
• Cannot have past debt with the City Colleges of Chicago
• Past student loans must be in good standing 

Getting Started with PiE

1. Review the important dates to know when you need to enroll.

   City Colleges of Chicago's Academic Calendar 

2. Attend an Information Session.

   PiE Orientation Sessions are conducted virtually. Online registration is required. 

   Register for an information session 

3. Complete Post-Orientation Forms

   You will be emailed two forms after orientation: 

   1. Career Advisement Form 
   2. Training Agreement 

   Be sure to read, sign, and submit your forms to keep moving in the process. 

4. Apply to the City Colleges of Chicago

   Take note of your student ID number, which is given when you apply - you'll need this later.

   Apply to CCC

5. Apply for Financial Aid

   The PiE program fills in the financial gaps after you've received FAFSA funding. You may be eligible for the FAFSA Pell Grant which is federal funding for students who meet income requirements. 

   Apply for financial aid using the FAFSA form 

   What is the FAFSA® form?
   Colleges and career schools use the FAFSA form to determine how much financial aid you're eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.

   You must apply for aid every year, but with the right information in hand, it's easy.

   If you would like assistance with completing the FAFSA, reach out to our education team at education@thecha.org.  

6. Complete Program Enrollment Requirements for City Colleges

   You'll receive information on next steps from City Colleges. Complete the steps below to continue with PiE. 

   Orientation and Placement Testing: If you are new to City Colleges of Chicago, please check with your campus-based college Admissions team to learn more about new student orientation and placement testing.

   Academic Advising and Registration: Schedule a time to meet with your advisor to go over placement test scores and develop an academic plan.
    

7. Apply for a tuition voucher from PiE

   Keep an eye out for your voucher request form from a PiE staff member, which will be emailed to you automatically once you complete the steps above. 

   After completing the Voucher Request Form, an “indicator” will appear on your CCC student account. This indicator lets us know that your steps are complete and we can start to review your file. It also means that your classes will not be dropped as we review your file.

   Once you submit your form, staff will assess the costs of course tuition and supplies to make sure you have the funds you need. Please allow 3-5 business days for a staff member to respond.

Information Sessions