College prep, college credit, and the village that made it all possible.
It started with a summer. Then the academic year took it further. And now, as we close out this academic year, we’re looking back at just how far our Scholars have come.
When the CPASS Saturday Academy kicked off last September, we shared that story with you — Scholars from the Classes of 2026, 2027, and 2028 diving into their college prep workshops in Chicago and, by October, began working towards earning their first college credits in high school through Lewis University. What we want to share now is what happened on all the Saturdays that followed — because our Scholars didn’t just show up for a kickoff. They kept showing up, every month, September through April.
This is a look at what our STEMM education program built this year — and the village that made it possible.
What This Academic Year Looked Like
From September through April, our Scholars gathered for monthly Saturday workshops dedicated to growth that goes well beyond a textbook. Here’s what filled those Saturdays:
College Prep Workshops
Our college prep workshops weren’t one-size-fits-all. Each cohort received workshops tailored to where they are: the Class of 2026 tackled financial aid, mock interviews, and college applications. The Class of 2027 dug into scholarship research and college fit. And our youngest cohort, the Class of 2028, explored career interests, college majors, and how to build a strong profile from the start.
But beyond the sessions themselves, Scholars were building habits that will stay with them long after high school. As one Scholar shared:
“It’s your responsibility to go home, read through everything, and come back ready to discuss. I feel like that really prepares me for future classes and what college will actually be like.” – Sadie
“It helped me learn how to manage my time. Having another responsibility on top of school really pushed me to stay organized and plan ahead.” — Adrian
That ownership—that shift from being told what to do to learning how to take initiative—is exactly the kind of growth that defines this program.
College Credit Courses
In partnership with Lewis University, our Scholars worked towards earning free college credit in high school — college level courses taught by university professors and industry professionals who volunteer their time. Scholars take courses for 2 to 2.5 hours per course, once a month on Saturdays, over a three-year period. Each course earns 3 college credits, and with private colleges averaging $1,200 per credit hour, the financial impact for families is real. Our Scholars are enrolled in either the Health Science or the General STEMM track.
Health Sciences Track Courses:
- Public Health
- General Organic and Biochemistry
- Human & Animal Anatomy & Physiology
General STEMM Track Courses:
- Math Methods
- AI & Communications
For many Scholars, these courses are their first real exposure to advanced STEMM topics—and in some cases, opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have access to.
“My school doesn’t really focus on STEMM, so it’s hard to find opportunities like this. Here, I actually get exposure to things that will help me become what I want to be.” – Sadie
“For AI and Communications, I had no previous experience, so I learned a lot. It showed me how basic math can be used to build something that solves real-world problems.” — Adrian
Others are already seeing how these courses connect directly to their future:
“AI has helped me a lot—I’m already using what I learned here in my computer science class.” – Nathan
This isn’t just about earning credits—it’s about building confidence in spaces many Scholars are stepping into for the first time.
Beyond the Classroom
Saturdays weren’t just about coursework. Our Scholars got hands-on STEMM career exposure, meeting professionals doing the work they’re studying for. They went on a field trip, built friendships, and developed a real sense of community.
But just as important as what they learned was how they grew. Through year-round math enrichment, academic support, and the expectations placed on them, Scholars began building the habits that will carry them into college—time management, accountability, independence, and confidence. We met every Scholar where they were and helped them take real steps toward where they want to go.
That growth doesn’t just show up in the classroom—it shows up at home, too:
“This program has helped him become more responsible with his schoolwork and better with organization and time management… he doesn’t leave things until the last minute anymore. I’ve seen him become more independent and more confident. He’s not as shy as he used to be.” — Rodrigo’s Mom
“He does say it’s a lot of work sometimes, but I think that’s a good thing. College will be more demanding, and this is preparing him for that now.” — Nathan’s Dad
The Village Behind the Vision
These organizations aren’t writing a check and walking away. They’re in the room, showing up in ways that make a direct difference in our Scholars’ lives.
Lewis University — our host campus on College Credit days and a true partner in this work. Beyond opening their classrooms and laboratory spaces to our Scholars, faculty and staff consistently volunteered their time each month to teach, mentor, and engage students in meaningful academic experiences. Their partnership has given our Scholars a head start and the belief that college isn’t just possible — it’s already happening for them.
Illinois Institute of Technology — our host campus for College Prep Workshop days. When our Scholars walk onto the campus, they’re stepping into what their future can look like.
Pete’s Market and Chartwells Higher Ed — thank you for helping ensure our Scholars were cared for and supported during key program days. From providing fresh fruit to meals that kept Scholars and volunteers energized, the contributions helped create an environment where students could stay focused, engaged, and ready to learn.
ISAC (Illinois Student Assistance Commission) and Chase Bank — thank you for helping demystify the financial side of higher education and investing in opportunities for our Scholars. Through financial aid guidance, financial literacy, and direct support for programming, students better understand how to navigate and prepare for their futures with confidence.
Archer Career and Junior Achievement — through career exploration, scholarship research, financial literacy, and problem-solving experiences, our Scholars better understand their options and can prepare for what comes next.
We also extend our gratitude to the many guest lecturers, professionals, and volunteers who showed up month after month to teach, mentor, and encourage our Scholars. Long after a workshop ends, Scholars remember the people who took the time to believe in them, answer their questions, and help them see new possibilities for their future.
To every one of you: you are making a difference. Right now. In the lives of young people who will remember that someone believed in them before they had a diploma to prove themselves.
Hear it from the Scholars Themselves
The most powerful measure of any program is the experience of the people in it. Scholar stories are coming soon — stay tuned.
“It’s helpful, but it’s also a challenge—and I think that’s what makes it worth it.” — Nathan
“Having another responsibility on top of school really teaches you how to balance everything and manage your time better.” — Adrian
Looking Ahead
As we close out the 2025–26 academic year, we’re already building toward summer programming and beyond.
If you’re an organization or individual looking to support STEMM education in Chicago, there are real, tangible ways to get involved:
Teach or mentor — volunteer your time as an instructor, guest speaker, or workshop leader
Host a field trip — open your doors and give Scholars hands-on exposure to your industry
Make a donation — help us continue providing programming at no cost to families
This work doesn’t happen alone. It happens because people choose to show up.
And when you show up for a student, you don’t just support a program—you help change a trajectory.
The CPASS STEMM Scholars Academy
Preparing the next generation of leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.
To learn more about our programming or partnership opportunities, reach out to our team.