For over forty years, more than 65,000 students were assisted through the agency’s college preparation and placement program, Talent Search. Many have received degrees from colleges and universities throughout the United States. Many of the nation’s leading African American entrepreneurs, politicians, attorneys, doctors and other professionals have passed through the program.

Alumni Hall of Fame Highlight

Laura Washington, Ida B. Wells-Barnett University Professor, DePaul University, noted Chicago Sun-Times op-ed columnist, and award-winning reporter and editor, is no stranger to Ada S. McKinley’s Educational Services Division. Washington says her world was opened to college opportunities she had never dreamed of after meeting Educational Services program founder Silas Purnell, now deceased, in the ’70s. “The program helped me realize that I could go to a prestigious four-year university like Northwestern University and achieve,” said Washington.  “I learned to aim high, and be patient and persistent.” That she did. She received her bachelor’s (1978) and master’s (1980) degrees from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

Washington is an expert on media coverage and issues, African-American affairs, Illinois and national politics, race and racism, diversity, and social justice. She is also a frequent commentator on "The Tavis Smiley Show."

Other alumni who were assisted by our Educational Services Division include:
Loren Simmons, master of science in psychology, University of Kansas (1986)
YWCA Director of Women’s Services

Cheryl Burton, bachelor of science in psychology, University of Illinois (1984)
ABC 7 News Anchor

Judy Gay, bachelor of science in general science, University of Iowa (1976); master of science in guidance and counseling, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (1979)
Ada S. McKinley Rehabilitation Services Supervisor

Sandra Long, bachelor of arts in elementary education, Roosevelt University (1973); master of science in mathematics, St. Xavier University (1994)
Evers Elementary School Teacher

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