Collegiate Scholars Program

Founded in 2003 and operated through the University of Chicago's Office of Civic Engagement, the Collegiate Scholars Program (CSP) is a three year program designed to encourage high achieving and underrepresented Chicago Public Schools students to apply to and succeed at highly selective colleges and universities.

CSP is shaped around a core curriculum of humanities, social science, math, and science courses.
During the summer months, scholars are taught by University of Chicago faculty and PhD candidates.
Enrichment activities during the academic year are geared toward college readiness, leadership development, civic engagement and cultural exploration.

Given the evolving situation with coronavirus (COVID-19), in-person interviews for the Collegiate Scholars Program Class of 2023 have been postponed until further notice to ensure the safety of our community and visitors. Applications are still being reviewed, and we anticipate moving forward with the next stage of the application process sometime in mid-April. As the situation continues to remain fluid, the CSP team will reach out to applicants with additional updates as we know more. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time, and encourage you to contact us if you have any questions.

Programs prepare Chicago’s future scholars for college success

Surprise ceremony welcomes student into University of Chicago's incoming class

Twins Bound for Ivy League after UChicago College Readiness Programs

Celebrating 50 Years of College Access

Scholars

How to Get Involved

There are many ways to get involved in helping Chicago Public Schools students find success through the University of Chicago Collegiate Scholars Program.

Current scholars

Prospective scholars

Profiles

Isaaq Khader
Collegiate Scholars Program

“I feel like CSP gave me a cheat sheet for college. Now I know how to take advantage of all the resources, I know that you have to get to classes on time, and that it’s always a good idea to talk with the TAs and go to profs’ office hours.”

Nneka Jones
Collegiate Scholars Program

“I think the number one aspect for me was the support. I gained a network of faculty, staff, administrators, and like-minded students who weren’t afraid to think critically and really learn. Early exposure to that was essential to my success — and my experience in diverse classrooms prepared me to have deeper conversations with professors and fellow students than what my peers were ready for. That’s a skill I’ll take through undergrad and graduate school.”

Raven Galloway
Collegiate Scholars Program

“All of us in CSP matured during the program and were more prepared for college because of it.”

More profiles

Social

@UChicago’s Community Programs Accelerator (CPA), run by @UChiEngagement, has helped to equip established and emerging community-based nonprofit organizations and leaders serving the South Side with tools and resources to fulfill their unique missions.
To help these organizations support their clients and stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic, #UChicago has invited current CPA nonprofits, as well as CPA alumni, to apply for short-term bridge funds and capacity-building assistance. To learn more about #UChiAccelerator, tap the link in our bio.

South Siders in need of food assistance may pick up meals prepared by @uchicago at a variety of distribution sites, all of which are @fooddepository partners.
For the current list of sites where #UChicago will distribute meals, visit the link in our bio. Please note that pick-up days and hours vary for each location.
We know this is an incredibly difficult time for many families and hope that the 225K meals provided over the next 10 weeks through this initiative will help ease a bit of the burden for our South Side neighbors.

Do you know a small business in one of the nine neighborhoods below that needs assistance due to COVID-19? @UChicago is offering short-term bridge funds to local small businesses impacted by this pandemic. The funds are designed to provide immediate interim relief and help South Side small businesses sustain themselves and support their employees.
…
Grant funds are limited and will be awarded in amounts up to $7,500. Eligible businesses must have a location in either Douglas, Oakland, Grand Boulevard, Kenwood, Washington Park, Hyde Park, Woodlawn, Greater Grand Crossing, or South Shore. To get complete eligibility criteria and apply, tap the link in our bio. For first-round consideration, apply by April 6. #partnersinimpact

@UChicago just wrapped up the first day of preparing and distributing meals to our South Side neighbors in partnership with the Greater Chicago @fooddepository.
3,000 breakfasts, lunches, and dinners were provided. Tomorrow, and every day for the next 10 weeks, we’ll be doing the same. Tap the link in our bio to see the list of sites where these meals will be distributed
…
We’re proud to partner on this program with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, which is co-leading the city of Chicago’s massive food assistance effort during the pandemic. We encourage Chicago residents in need of food assistance visit the Greater Chicago Food Depository website for a complete list of distribution locations - link in bio.