Chicago Housing Authority Celebrates Record Number of Over 200 Residents Heading to College

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago Housing Authority is sending off its largest group yet of high school graduates to college.

It’s over 200 residents, who will attend 70 colleges and universities across the country.

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As summer transitions into back-to-school season, some CHA residents who graduated high school are starting a new chapter.

Many on Tuesday were proudly representing where they will be attending in the fall, like 18-year old Za’Nyah Banks.

“I’m going to Marquette University in the fall, Milwaukee, Wisconsin,” Banks said.

Banks and hundreds of high school grads took part in the CHA’s annual Take Flight college send off at Malcolm X College.

It’s an event that’s both a tribute to their hard work and a trunk party, where families collect dorm essentials, like laundry bags, bath towels and sheets and bigger ticket items like laptops.

Banks’ mother said the gesture is much appreciated.

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“That’s very helpful because some of us don’t have and some parents are really struggling,” Paula Murray said.

Ranye Holmes leaves for college next week.

“I’ll be attending the illustrious Morehouse College in the fall, studying business and finance on pre-law track,” Holmes said.

Holmes’ mother said Tuesday’s event helped with some of the expenses that come with him leaving the nest.

“It’s very helpful. It’s a financial blessing. Because, you gotta spend so much, first on traveling to get there and back, and tuition and having to buy the essentials,” Winter Morris said.

The CHA said their event is so important.

“We know education is a proven pathway out of poverty, and we as a housing agency want to do what we can to support our young people,” said Kristen Hamer, with CHA.

Along with supplies, the incoming college freshmen were sent off with words of advice: focus on graduating from their colleges and universities.