Rahm Emanuel on Monday released the second ad of his re-election campaign, this one focused on a successful mission to raise the graduation rate at City Colleges of Chicago.
The "College to Careers" spot intersperses video footage of the mayor talking with students with commentary by Cheryl Hyman, chancellor of the community college network.
"If we're going to remain competitive, we must have a community college system that works," says Hyman. "Mayor Emanuel and I launched a 'College to Careers,' so when students came to us, not only were they able to get jobs right away, but they were also able to transfer their credits."
She continues. "We've doubled the graduation rate. We've had the largest completion rate in City Colleges history. He is very relentless. He is very forceful. But I think it's exactly what we need."
Emanuel helped develop the College to Careers program after succeeding former Mayor Richard M. Daley in 2011. Each of the six participating schools focuses on a growth industry, like healthcare, with the goal of instilling employer-coveted skills that translate into promising real-world jobs.
More than 100 businesses and organizations have teamed with City Colleges on the venture, with companies helping to shape curricula and students making connections that lead to internships and full-time employment.
