South Side College and Career Catalyst Program
Building on college readiness programming the University of Chicago has offered for more than 50 years, the South Side College and Career Catalyst program (C3) provides Chicago public high school students with year-round college and career exploration activities and educational opportunities to prepare them for academic and career success.
About
In 1968, coach and education pioneer Larry Hawkins founded programming on UChicago’s campus to support underserved and under-resourced Chicago high school students and the University has offered a version of that programming ever since. The new, multi-year South Side College and Career Catalyst Program (C3) carries on that legacy by supporting 9th- to 12th-grade students as they prepare for, apply to, and enroll in college and embark on meaningful future careers.
The program begins with a six-week summer academic enrichment session with simulated college-level courses designed to expose students to core areas such as English, social sciences, math, humanities, and science.
Throughout the academic year and summer months, students also take part in activities including monthly college and career readiness workshops; local and national college visits; and cultural and community-building field trips. Students additionally have access to academic tutoring and college advising support, an annual college fair and career conference, and other student development resources.
Who We Serve
- 50 9th to 12th grade Chicago public high school students per year
- Priority is given to students who meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Neither parent of the student has a four-year college degree
- Student's household meets federal low-income guidelines
- Student lives in or attends school in one of the following communities adjacent to the University: Douglas, Grand Boulevard, Greater Grand Crossing, Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, South Shore, Washington Park, and Woodlawn
Apply
Applications are accepted in the fall and spring. APPLY HERE by April 15, 2025 to join the program in June.
Eligibility
Students in grades 9 to 11, who live in or attend school on Chicago's South Side are eligible to apply.
Students must have:
• completed 8th grade and be enrolled in a Chicago public high school, including charter schools
• a GPA of 2.5 or higher
• a desire to grow and succeed academically
• an interest in exploring post-secondary options, including college and career pathways
Questions about the Catalyst Program? Email uccatalyst@uchicago.edu or call 773-702-8288. Click here for a program flyer.