Office of Special Programs - College Prep

05/28/2021

Students attend community college for a variety of reasons – to raise their GPAs, save money, or explore a variety of liberal arts courses in preparation for choosing a major.  No matter what your reasons for attending community college might be; these tips will help you make the most of your community college expereince and define the goals you want to achieve as you plan and chart your course for success. #communitycollege #chicago #collegeaccess

Students attend community college for a variety of reasons – to raise their GPAs, save money, or explore a variety of liberal arts courses in preparation for choosing a major.  No matter what your reasons for attending community college might be; these tips will help you make the most of your community college expereince and define the goals you want to achieve as you plan and chart your course for success. #communitycollege #chicago #collegeaccess

05/27/2021

As part of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we want to explore what students can do with a major in Asian Studies. Swipe for more! #aapiheritagemonth #college access

05/27/2021

As part of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we want to explore what students can do with a degree in Asian or Pacific Islander Studies. Swipe for more! #aapiheritagemonth #collegeaccess

05/26/2021

Julio Ramirez, is set to graduate this year. The Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards Finalist has will be attending Columbia University to study computer science.

He reflects on his OSP experience: “My favorite part has definitely been the bi-annual science institutes to Fermilab and the UChicago campus every year. They're great opportunities to create closer bonds with others in the program while applying the knowledge you learn during the academic year in a collaborative setting!”

In terms of skills he’s learned from the program, self-advocacy is definitely at the top of the list. He adds that new students joining the program should make sure to: “Put yourself out there! Don't be afraid and take risks to learn as much as possible!” #studentspotlight #chicagopublicschools

05/26/2021

Julio Ramirez, is set to graduate this year. The Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards Finalist has will be attending Columbia University to study computer science.

He reflects on his OSP experience: “My favorite part has definitely been the bi-annual science institutes to Fermilab and the UChicago campus every year. They're great opportunities to create closer bonds with others in the program while applying the knowledge you learn during the academic year in a collaborative setting!”

In terms of skills he’s learned from the program, self-advocacy is definitely at the top of the list. He adds that new students joining the program should make sure to: “Put yourself out there! Don't be afraid and take risks to learn as much as possible!” #studentspotlight #chicagopublicschools

05/24/2021

📢 Class of 2021 📢 Summer is an important time to prepare for  your transition from high school to college. Swipe to find out what seniors should do in order to be ready for their first year at college!  Register for the OSP First Year Experience workshops this summer to learn what you should know and how to prepare! #classof2021 #senioryearchecklist #chicagopublicschools

📢 Class of 2021 📢 Summer is an important time to prepare for  your transition from high school to college. Swipe to find out what seniors should do in order to be ready for their first year at college!  Register for the OSP First Year Experience workshops this summer to learn what you should know and how to prepare! #classof2021 #senioryearchecklist #chicagopublicschools

05/24/2021

Julio Ramirez, is set to graduate this year. The Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards Finalist has narrowed his selection to two schools.  Whatevr he decides he will be a great addiiton to  in addition to the student population as he prepares for a career in computer science.

He reflects on his OSP experience: “My favorite part has definitely been the bi-annual science institutes to Fermilab and the UChicago campus every year. They're great opportunities to create closer bonds with others in the program while applying the knowledge you learn during the academic year in a collaborative setting!”

In terms of skills he’s learned from the program, self-advocacy is definitely at the top of the list. He adds that new students joining the program should make sure to: “Put yourself out there! Don't be afraid and take risks to learn as much as possible!" #studentspotlight #chicagopublicschools #chicago

05/17/2021

📢 Class of 2022 📢 College is a big investment in time and money.  To ensure you’re getting the most from the experience, you need to develop a well-researched and thoughtful list of colleges where you will thrive and graduate in four years. Swipe to find out how to create your balanced college list of reach,” “match,” and “safety” schools! #collegeaccess

05/16/2021

As the Class of 2021 celebrates the end of their college application process, the Class of 2022 should start preparing for their own journey. What does that look like? Swipe to learn what juniors should think about in preparation for Fall. #junioryear #chicagopublicschools #collegeaccess

As the Class of 2021 celebrates the end of their college application process, the Class of 2022 should start preparing for their own journey. What does that look like? Swipe to learn what juniors should think about in preparation for Fall. #junioryear #chicagopublicschools #collegeaccess

05/13/2021

Need more scholarship resources? Check out scholarships wiith June deadlines. #scholarships #chicagopublicschools

05/11/2021

As students prepare to register for the 2021 Virtual Summer Academy, the Office of Special Programs will be introducing some of our amazing instructional staff. First up, Collegiate Scholars and University of Chicago alumni, Lauren Dunning. Lauren is an experienced instructor for OSP and the Chicago Public School system. He is passionate about creating learning experiences that excite students' interests in science. Read his full story in the link in our bio. #instructorspotlight #chicagopublicschools #chicago

As students prepare to register for the 2021 Virtual Summer Academy, the Office of Special Programs will be introducing some of our amazing instructional staff. First up, Collegiate Scholars and University of Chicago alumni, Lauren Dunning. Lauren is an experienced instructor for OSP and the Chicago Public School system. He is passionate about creating learning experiences that excite students' interests in science. Read his full story in the link in our bio. #instructorspotlight #chicagopublicschools #chicago

05/07/2021

This month is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! In honor of the month, we will feature scholarships specifically designated for Asian American/Pacific Islander students. #aapiheritagemonth #scholarships

05/05/2021

Mary Lomahan, Class of 2021, is excited to jumpstart the rest of her academic and professional career. Mary is one of two of our students who received the Posse Scholarship. She will be attending DePauw University to achieve her dream of becoming a marketing specialist!

Lomahan’s favorite moment at OSP: “The very first year when we had three different teams for the [KICP] summer institute. I had so much fun meeting new people and making new friends.”

One piece of advice she has to offer as a result: “Make new friends and enjoy your time [at OSP]!” #studentspotlight #chicagopublicschools

Mary Lomahan, Class of 2021, is excited to jumpstart the rest of her academic and professional career. Mary is one of two of our students who received the Posse Scholarship. She will be attending DePauw University to achieve her dream of becoming a marketing specialist!

Lomahan’s favorite moment at OSP: “The very first year when we had three different teams for the [KICP] summer institute. I had so much fun meeting new people and making new friends.”

One piece of advice she has to offer as a result: “Make new friends and enjoy your time [at OSP]!” #studentspotlight #chicagopublicschools

04/21/2021

Cassius Palacio, Class of 2021, will be attending his dream school, University of Southern California! He plans to study architecture in order to achieve his dream career of “owning my own architectural firm with multiple locations.”

His favorite OSP-CP activity was “The Peter and Judy Kovler Career Conference for High School Students. During the architectural learning session, I was able to network with two female architects of color, Kim Johnson and Smitha Vasan. That's when I truly realized that networking is a superpower everyone can have. Since the Career Conference, I've maintained good relationships with them and they've been mentoring me along the way to make sure I make the best decisions for my architectural career.”

His advice for new students entering the OSP program is to “always be fortunate and grateful. OSP provides a plethora of opportunities, and if you don't accept them, then you'd be left out and without resources to advance your knowledge or extracurriculars.”

Check out the next slide to see one of his amazing photographs!

04/14/2021

Apply | Office of Special Programs

Thank you UChicago Civic Engagement! Please email [email protected], if you have any questions.

The Office of Special Programs - College Prep offers two programs: UChicago Upward Bound and the University of Chicago S.T.E.M. Initiative. Both are free, year-round college access programs for high-school students.

04/07/2021

Jeremy Cueva, OSP Class of 2021, plans on attending Illinois Institute of Technology. His future career goals include becoming a software developer.

He reflects on his favorite OSP activity: “During the 2019 summer institute where we would create an AI for a glove to be able to type keys without the need of a keyboard. It may have only identified it, but to be able to go through the process of trial and error and the work needed makes the end result very satisfying.”

Cueva learned many lessons while at OSP, but the most valuable was “to stay on top of submitting college applications and not get behind or miss the deadline. It helped show me how much work I can put into something when having the dedication to do the things that need to be done. To put in the hard work in sweat and tears does pay off.”

Follow us on Instagram @ospcp for more student spotlights, helpful career and college tips and resources, and frequent program notifications and updates!

Jeremy Cueva, OSP Class of 2021, plans on attending Illinois Institute of Technology. His future career goals include becoming a software developer.

He reflects on his favorite OSP activity: “During the 2019 summer institute where we would create an AI for a glove to be able to type keys without the need of a keyboard. It may have only identified it, but to be able to go through the process of trial and error and the work needed makes the end result very satisfying.”

Cueva learned many lessons while at OSP, but the most valuable was “to stay on top of submitting college applications and not get behind or miss the deadline. It helped show me how much work I can put into something when having the dedication to do the things that need to be done. To put in the hard work in sweat and tears does pay off.”

Follow us on Instagram @ospcp for more student spotlights, helpful career and college tips and resources, and frequent program notifications and updates!

06/17/2020

Congratulations to our 2020 high school graduates! Pictured are Cherish, Mekha, Ashley, and Destiny in the graduation cap and gowns. Let us know in the comments what your next steps are.

06/12/2020

Are you a student who has always loved engaging with your community? You don't have to stop because of COVID-19! There are other awesome ways to make an impact while respecting social distancing guidelines.

06/11/2020

A huge congratulations to Saliyah, Oscar, David, and Nazia for being accepted into the 2020 Summer Bridge Program which allows high-school students to take undergraduate courses at the University of Chicago!

06/10/2020

Have you registered for classes yet? The OSP Summer Virtual Academy will begin on June 22! We're excited to continue offering this amazing programming over the summer despite challenges.

06/09/2020

Have you ever seen an editor in action? If you're interested in majoring in communications, then being an editor is an awesome career to pursue!

06/08/2020

Are you interested in working with people regularly and spreading information? Communications involves a lot of interaction with your co-workers and community as you work hard to inform your audience!

06/05/2020

Are you a student in a low-income household? Then you may qualify for reduced-price wifi! Check with providers in your area to see if this service is applicable to you.

06/04/2020

It may be hard to consider summer plans, but many internships have become remote! Consider looking for internships if you have the capacity to this summer.

06/03/2020

Have you ever seen Northwestern up close? They're a private research university that provide need-blind admissions and aid.

06/02/2020

As a hispanic student pursuing higher education, you can find scholarships tailored to you! Look for scholarships for hispanic students at www.hsf.net/scholarship

06/01/2020

Ashley is showing off her brand new computer that she won from the Butler Weihmuller Katz Craig LLP through the @InstituteofCoding's Ctrl Your Future campaign!

05/30/2020

Have you signed up for your summer classes yet? The form is due TODAY at 12:00PM! Make sure to fill it out before the deadline to get your preferred classes.

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/CHjbYVcJfdA6KzXe7

05/29/2020

Are you currently in search of a job? Our COVID-19 resources website has an employment assistance section that can help guide your job hunt and lead you to quicker results.

Visit the website here: https://ospcollegeprep.wixsite.com/ospresources

05/28/2020

What role do leadership positions play in college applications? Ultimately, you want to show off your best self through your interests and participation. Leadership positions are one way to do this, but are not the only way to shine on your application!

05/27/2020

If you like calculating probabilities or think you might, a major in statistics might be the way to go. Statisticians have a wide variety of job prospects, from working with theory to actual financial data.

05/26/2020

Are you looking for scholarships for Asian students? Check out APIA, a non-profit provider of college scholarships to Asian and Pacific Islander Americans!

For more details, visit https://portal.apiasf.org/

05/25/2020

Calling all young women entering college in the fall of 2020! Apply to the Theta Alpha 2020 Jabberwock Scholarship by the June 3rd deadline and be considered for a $500 scholarship!

Application link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScmZO524Ip8sEEE006P7wvAJ44QeX-F-0b93gCONaiIrALNOA/viewform

05/21/2020

Have you started writing your personal statement? If you have, then you know it's difficult to find the perfect topic. The good news is that there is no perfect topic! Here are some tips for choosing what best fits your story and how you might consider portraying it.

05/20/2020

UT Austin is one of the schools in the University of Texas system and have decided to open in the fall. Have you checked them out yet as your future home?