Nataly Hernandez

Star Scholar Finds Support and Community at Daley College

As a student at Juarez High School, Nataly Hernandez figured she would go right to a four-year university. But at the last minute, she decided to take advantage of the Star Scholarship, which paid for her tuition and books as she completed her associate degree at City Colleges of Chicago.

Nataly’s City Colleges journey was further supported by a Chancellor’s Retention Grant, and as she graduates this semester from Daley College, she just received the great news that she is the recipient of TheDream.US Scholarship. The scholarship will support her at Northeastern University as she earns her bachelor’s degree.

Nataly, a resident of Little Village, chose Daley College because she felt welcomed and supported – and part of the community. Her parents couldn’t be prouder to see their daughter succeed and pursue her dream of studying social work and giving back to the community.

In addition to being a full-time student, Nataly also landed an internship at the Field Museum in anthropology – another passion of hers. After working on a project that looked at how environmental racism impacts communities of color, she was invited back for other similar projects as a mentor and then anthropologist’s assistant.

While anthropology is still an interest, Nataly is focused on studying social work and being able to work in her community helping others, especially undocumented students. She’s also advising her younger brother to take a closer look at all City Colleges has to offer.