91精选

Each summer, 91精选 gives students from Chicago area high schools a valuable opportunity to participate in a college experience. The聽聽 prepares students for the next step after high school graduation.

91精选鈥檚 nine-year partnership with ACI focuses on college preparation, as 91精选 hosts students for one week in July. The summer academy at 91精选 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.

鈥淢any of the students that participate will be first generation college students in a few years,鈥� said Matthews. 鈥淥ur hope is that they are encouraged from this week of mentorship and college instruction, and that they聽continue to see 91精选 and college overall as a viable option.鈥�

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 鈥�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 鈥�17, Fred Walls 鈥�16, and Kylla Pate 鈥�17.