By Annie Tang
Dominican University’s Pilsen campus is taking a different approach to higher education: one designed to blend classroom learning with real-world experience while expanding access for students historically underserved by colleges and universities.
Dr. Barrington Price, CEO of the Pilsen campus, said the program is structured as an associate degree with built-in career pathways.
“It is an associate’s program that’s a little different,” Price said. “Instead of majors, you just choose concentrations. Those concentrations are all tied to certifications or certificates.”
The goal, Price said, is to address ongoing skepticism about the value of a liberal arts degree by pairing it with tangible workforce skills.
“We can prove the value by embedding certifications that students will earn along the way,” he said.
For students like Grace Acevedo, the program’s smaller size and structure were key factors in choosing the campus.
“I liked the idea of starting in a smaller, more close-knit environment,” Acevedo said. “It felt less overwhelming and more supportive, especially as a first-year student.”
The program also emphasizes career exposure early and often. Each Wednesday, students participate in “City as Campus,” a weekly initiative that brings them into workplaces across Chicago. From major corporations to community organizations, for hands-on learning.
“As you’re learning about things in the classroom, you can go and see people who are doing what you’re learning,” Price said. “By the time they reach your position, they have had 10, 12 different types of micro-internships.”
Beyond academics, the campus incorporates wraparound support. Students receive laptops, have access to meal plans at local restaurants and can take home fresh produce through community partnerships.
Acevedo said that level of support has made a noticeable difference in her experience.
“My professors are approachable, and I feel like I can ask questions or get help when I need it,” she said. “There are also resources and staff who are willing to guide us, which makes a big difference.”
The campus has evolved significantly since its launch in 2024. Initially focused on recruiting from a small group of neighborhoods on Chicago’s South and West sides, the program has since expanded its reach and partnerships.
“We’ve expanded how we think about recruiting,” Price said. “We’ve also established significantly more partnerships.”
One major addition is a dual credit program that allows high school students to complete their first year of the associate degree while still in school. The campus has also partnered with the Illinois Math and Science Academy to host free STEM programming for middle school students.
“These types of things start to build awareness and relationships,” Price said.
At its core, the campus mission remains clear: increasing access to higher education.
“To provide access and opportunity to young people on the South and West sides of the city —to provide access to education to Black and Brown folks who otherwise would not have been afforded it,” Price said. “We are unapologetic in it.”
Early indicators suggest the model is working. The program reports retention rates in the 70% range overall, with rates for African American students reaching the 80% range. Its first graduating class is expected this year, with a projected two-year graduation rate near 40%. Price attributes student success to the program’s small size and personalized support.
“Students have access to us whenever they need us,” he said. “The student that is looking for individualized support, a very structured path to success, then we’re the place.”
Students also have access to resources across Dominican’s main River Forest campus, including academic support services, the library and recreational facilities, with shuttle transportation connecting the two locations.
Acevedo said the environment has helped her grow both academically and personally.
“Being in this program has definitely helped build my confidence,” she said. “I feel more independent, more comfortable speaking up, and more motivated about my future plans.” She described student life as community-focused and supportive.
“It’s easy to get to know people, and there’s a sense that everyone is figuring things out together,” Acevedo said. “The community is supportive and welcoming, which makes it easier to feel like you belong.”
Looking ahead, Price said the program’s success will depend on its relationship with the surrounding community.
“It’s important that we humbly enter this community and become a value add,” he said. “Not detract from it, not impede on it.”
The campus aims to enroll about 80 students each year, with roughly 40% continuing on to complete bachelor’s degrees at Dominican’s River Forest campus. Another priority is ensuring that every student leaves with a credential, even if they do not complete the full program.
“Rather than leaving without something,” Price said, “we want to ensure that every student leaves the institution with a certification or certificate.”
Acevedo said she plans to continue her education after completing the program.
“I do see myself transferring to the River Forest campus to keep working toward my long-term goals,” she said.
The Pilsen campus leaves many students with a wide range of opportunities, and they greet each student with open arms as they welcome them into the program.
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