University of Illinois at Chicago

College Support Program
Cultural Arts Camp
Educational Advisory Board
Educational Enrichment Program for 3rd, 4th, & 5th Graders
High School/College Transition Program
Health Science Enrichment Program (HSEP)
High School Fair
Hispanic Math/Science Education Initiative (HMSEI)
Parent Network
Saturday College
Science Connection (Sci-Con)
Summer Preceptors
UIC/CPS Prep Program

The UIC/CPS Prep Program began as part of the Chicago Public School system's efforts to provide summer programs for academically talented students. In 1998, the program expanded to include activities to prepare students who attended schools that serviced the Robert Taylor Homes, Cabrini Green, and Altgeld Gardens public housing complexes to prepare them for admission to a planned Chicago Math and Science Academy.

The school-year component focuses on Early Outreach's partnership with six schools which serve students who reside in the Cabrini Green and Robert Taylor Homes public housing complexes. Students in grades six, seven, and eight are recommended by the school leadership. The program has three elements. First, students attend our Saturday College Program and participate in academic enrichment activities in language arts and mathematics. Second, they attend an after-school program two days per week, which assists students in completing their homework, by tutoring them in areas identified by their teachers as their weakness, and by strengthening their math, reading, and writing skills. Third, students and their parents participate in a program called 'Family Math.' In many families, when a student's mathematics instruction moves beyond primary arithmetic, many parents are intimidated and cease to provide needed mathematics support in the home. This program teaches parents how to help their children with their math.

The summer component runs for six weeks providing enrichment and reinforcement activities in reading, writing, public speaking, mathematics, and science. Students also enjoy classes in physical education and art. UIC's Summer Prep Program provides an integrated curriculum which establishes the science teacher as the team leader. The team also has a language arts instructor and a mathematics instructor. The team's goal is to introduce and expand students awareness of the scientific method of problem solving. This provides a curriculum through which students enhance and strengthen their reading, critical thinking, writing, mathematics, and scientific methods foundations. In 1996, approximately 230 students participated in the program.