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photo by steed media service
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President, Olive-Harvey College
For many young people, the time immediately following high school is
full of potential and promise. But, the decisions as how to best
explore that untapped potential can be fuzzy at best. With so many
alternatives, Olive-Harvey College, on Chicago’s South Side, provides
an attractive solution for those taking their first steps to success.
President Valerie Roberson wants to make sure prospective students
understand the benefits of attending a community college.
“One of the reasons you might want to consider community colleges is
the cost,” she says, although the benefits aren’t limited to your
pocketbook. “We have generally 30 students to a classroom as opposed to
a university where there could be 200 to a classroom. We work very
closely with our students to make sure everyone has what they need.”
The
school is also helping internationally, participating in the Liberian
Nursing Program. “After 14 years of civil war in Liberia, the country
[is left] without the resources to provide health care for its
citizens,” explains Roberson. “We’re proud to be able to train 30
students who will return to Liberia and greatly improve the health care
situation in that country.”
“We have over 4,200 students on a
semester basis,” she says. “We offer programs on health care,
childcare, short-term training programs leading to truck driving
certificates, as well as the first two years to transfer to a liberal
arts degree.” Roberson works hard, but the love for Olive-Harvey runs
deep, and makes it all worth it. “The most gratification [for me] is
seeing those students walk across the stage [after completing] the
program,” she shares, before adding with a wink, “And [seeing] how much
money they’re making with their degree!” – todd Williams
