Last year, Marvin Howell graduated from Lincoln Park High School and was accepted into DePaul University. However, due to the pandemic, his plans shifted, so he decided to take a gap year.
“I was a little perplexed on what to do next when a friend told me about the Star Scholarship program,” he quipped.
Marvin learned that he was eligible to go to City Colleges to complete his core classes for free because of his excellent grades. He shared, “it saved my family and me thousands of dollars and gave me some direction on next steps.”
Marvin’s career goals vary, but he knows he wants to be in finance and have his own firm, saying “I want to drive an ‘impact investment fund’ and help people transform their lives.”
Recently, the Harold Washington College student was accepted into Citibank’s apprentice program through City Colleges, where he will be working in the automotive group, pairing with an analyst to help them model companies and create pitch decks.
“This opportunity is setting me up for a successful career in finance,” he said. “Apprenticeship programs are game changers.”
Marvin further explained that he found City Colleges to be a very welcoming environment with flexible classes, allowing him to work, be productive, and have a life. Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, he’s been able to develop and cultivate friendships with students and professors alike, including Professor Darren White, who Marvin says made a significant impact to help him succeed in math.
Additionally, with the transfer agreements to other colleges like DePaul University, attending City Colleges just made sense to Marvin.
“There is no downside to joining and completing your education,” he said.