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Enduring Transfer Pathways to Graduate Education in STEM

group of participantsOverview

The Enduring Transfer Pathways to Graduate Education in STEM is an innovative program that created a path from community college to graduate education for students from marginalized groups. The program is a collaboration between the Graduate College, the Grainger College of Engineering and Wilbur Wright College (WWC), one of the seven City Colleges of Chicago. The program offers a unique opportunity for students to gain knowledge about graduate education, engage in research activities, network with graduate students, and explore the state-of-the-art facilities at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Illinois).

Program Structure

The Enduring Transfer Pathways Program provides several opportunities for undergraduate students to gain valuable knowledge into graduate education and understand how earning a graduate degree can positively impact their lives and the lives of their families. Below, you will find information about each stage of the program.

Stage 1: Summer Exloration Program

  • Community college students spend one-week at Illinois learning about graduate education and research opportunities.
  • Participants stay connected with program advisors and staff throughout the academic year through professional development workshops, one-on-one advising, and visits to their campus by program staff.

Stage 2: Summer Research Opportunities Program

  • Students return to the Illinois campus for a second summer in our 8-week Summer Researc Opportunities Program to gain first-hand knowledge of research at Illinois through a mentored research project. Participants will engage with our current graduate students, explore our research facilities, and meet regularly with other program participants.

Stage 3: Ongoing Professional Development

  • Students continue to explore graduate education through academic year professional development, engagement through our Aspire Illinois Summer Webinar Series, and an invitation to our Aspire Illinois Campus Visit Program. Additionally, participants will be invited to other events that provide graduate program application guidance.

Program Benefits

  • Transfer Guidance
  • Mentorship by WWC and Illinois Faculty and Staff
  • Graduate School Application Assistance
  • Career Workshops
  • Summer Stipend
  • Summer travel to and from the Illinois campus, housing, and meals are covered.

Eligibility

  • Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria for the Summer Exploration Program:
  • Are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or approved domestic applicants (including those with DACA status).Students must be in a STEM degree program at one of the City Colleges of Chicago and have completed 2 full-time semesters by Summer 2025. Eligible degree disciplines are:
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Biological Sciences
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Have maintained satisfactory progress in academic courses (as assessed by transcript).
  • Completed and submitted the full application.
  • Application
  • Transcript
  • Statement of Interest

Please contact Dr. Doris Espiritu, despiritu@ccc.edu for an application.

All applications for the Summer Exploration Program must be submitted by Friday, February 28, 2025.

Eligibility and application information for the Summer Research Opportunities Program can be found at https://grad.illinois.edu/diversity/srop.

For more information contact:

Enduring Transfer Pathways in STEM
Phone: 217-300-7747
Email: GradDiversity@illinois.edu