Did you know that Harold Washington College began with just 250 students? It is now the City Colleges of Chicago’s largest college. Welcome to Harold Washington College. This college in the heart of Chicago has a rich history. It shapes futures through education.
Originally, this institution was named Loop College. It opened in 1962. Classes were on the 11th floor of a former University of Chicago/DePaul Center. The college eventually expanded. It occupied six floors due to growing student numbers. Early on, tuition barely covered the rent.
In 1982, Harold Washington College moved to its current address at 30 E. Lake Street. Then in 1987, tragedy struck Chicago. Mayor Harold Washington, a strong education advocate and City Colleges alumnus, passed away. The City Colleges of Chicago Board of Trustees honored him. They renamed Loop College as Harold Washington College in 1988. The dedication ceremony occurred in April 1988.
Harold Washington College embraced a new focus in 2012. It became the College to Careers hub for Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Services. The college then created partnerships with businesses. Large internship programs were developed with downtown businesses. New certificates and degree programs emerged. These served students and business needs across the city. Harold Washington College hosts the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program. This program supports local businesses. It helps them expand and create jobs.
Harold Washington College has strong liberal arts courses. It has transfer degrees and programs for specific professions. These professions include child development, architecture, and digital media design. The Higher Learning Commission granted Harold Washington College approval in 2014. This was for a consortial agreement. It allowed them to deliver online learning across the City College system. Harold Washington College became the City Colleges’ home for online learning opportunities.
The college reaffirmed its commitment to its namesake mayor’s values in 2017. Harold Washington advocated social change through education. The majority of Harold Washington College students transfer to four-year colleges. They continue their academic journeys.
Harold Washington College offers associate degrees in over 60 programs. These include Business, Liberal Arts, and Health Sciences. The college also offers certificates in fields like Cybersecurity and Hospitality Management.
Many resources support Harold Washington College students. These resources include a campus library. The library is stocked with books, journals, and databases. The college also provides study rooms and computer labs. The college has many student clubs. These include the Student Government Association and the Black Student Union.
Harold Washington College prepares students for their futures. It provides real-world experience and opportunities. Its location in the Loop connects students to Chicago’s business world. The college’s motto is Education that Works. Harold Washington College is a vibrant community. It is committed to social change through education.