Chicago’s Olive-Harvey College reverberated with applause and pride on April 4 as it celebrated the remarkable accomplishments of its 1-Year and Out Criminal Justice degree graduates.
The City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) Criminal Justice program served as a gateway to opportunity for the city’s residents. This unique program offered a fast-track route to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in criminal justice, allowing students to earn their credentials in just 12 months tuition-free. Graduates had the distinct advantage of bypassing the entrance exam for the Chicago Police Academy, opening doors to various career paths within law enforcement and related fields.
The event showcased the diverse talents and aspirations of the graduating cohort. From future police officers to aspiring forensic science technicians, fraud investigators and other related career aspirations, these students embodied the future of criminal justice in Chicago and beyond. Attendees had the opportunity to meet these remarkable individuals and hear firsthand about their journeys, hopes and the impact they want to make in their communities.
Distinguished guests — including Chief Yolanda L. Talley and other officials from the Chicago Police Department — lent their support and encouragement to the graduates. They emphasized the significance of this milestone for both the graduates and the broader law enforcement community. Their department’s presence underscored the value of programs like CCC’s criminal justice program in nurturing the next generation of highly skilled and committed professionals.
The celebration, held at the college’s Bruce Cherry Theatre, was filled with pride, inspiration and camaraderie. As students were pinned and received their certifications, the room buzzed with excitement and anticipation for the bright futures ahead.
Photos and videos of the pinning ceremony and certification presentation captured this momentous occasion’s essence, immortalizing the graduating class’s determination and resilience.
As Olive-Harvey College reflected on the accomplishments of its 1-Year Criminal Justice graduates, it reaffirmed its commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education that empowers students to pursue their dreams and make meaningful contributions to society.
