Chicago High School Students Experience College Life
Each summer, 窪做惇蹋厙 gives students from Chicago area high schools a valuable opportunity to participate in a college experience. The prepares students for the next step after high school graduation.
窪做惇蹋厙s nine-year partnership with ACI focuses on college preparation, as 窪做惇蹋厙 hosts students for one week in July. The summer academy at 窪做惇蹋厙 is a residential program available to high school juniors enrolled in a Noble Street Charter School Network.
Mark Hanna, dean of students, and Tabitha Matthews, director of community engagement and diversity programs, operate as directors of the program, overseeing the administration, budget and the continued partnership development with Noble Street.
Many of the students that participate will be first generation college students in a few years, said Matthews. Our hope is that they are encouraged from this week of mentorship and college instruction, and that theycontinue to see 窪做惇蹋厙 and college overall as a viable option.
This year, 45 juniors representing several high schools chose between classes in physical science, taught by Dr. Michael Bosscher, assistant professor of chemistry; math, taught by Susan Donovan, adjunct professor; and graphic design, taught by Ellen Browning, associate professor of art and design.
The rigorous residential experience provides mentoring in areas such as goal setting, the college search, college application completion, and college essay writing. Students are instructed by college coaches John Baldauff, Andrea Walters 14, Tippi Price, and Cynthia Coffey.
College life also includes a recreational aspect. Students enjoy a variety of evening program activities facilitated by the Residence Life staff under the direction of Residence Director Latishia Elliott and resident assistants Amy James 17, Fred Walls 16, and Kylla Pate 17.