When Devin Funches first explored college applications during his sophomore year at Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep Academy, the process felt overwhelming and unclear. A first-generation college student from Chicago’s Washington Heights neighborhood, he knew he wanted to pursue higher education, but an understanding of how to navigate the path forward remained elusive.
"I didn't know what to apply for. I didn't know what to look for," Funches said.
That changed when one of his teachers, Lauren Dunning, mentioned the University of Chicago's South Side College and Career Catalyst program. Originally planning to join a different summer program, Funches—who will attend Tulane University on a full scholarship this fall—changed plans and found the experience not only useful for college prep, but genuinely engaging.
"It was kind of random, but I appreciated it, because I actually loved what I ended up doing way more than what I would have done prior," said Funches.
The Catalyst program is part of the UChicago Office of Civic Engagement's broader college and career readiness initiatives, designed to prepare talented students from diverse backgrounds not only for admission to highly selective institutions, but for sustained academic and career success. The program’s career planning advice challenged Funches’ assumptions about the need to commit to a single academic path for professional and financial success.
"When I first came in there, I was set on being a lawyer," Funches said. "But I learned during the [program’s career exploration events] that you don't have to major in political science or something like that. You can major in anything. You can still be a lawyer…That really changed my whole mindset."
The program's hands-on experiences also expanded his horizons in unexpected ways. During a field trip to the University of Chicago’s Warren Woods Ecological Field Station in Michigan, Funches connected with Dr. Emily Bretl, an environmental scientist who later offered to sponsor a free field trip for his high school's AP Environmental Science class.
"These connections gave me the opportunity to get to know people, lead, and help my community out," he said.
The program's college-level writing courses also proved essential for his application success. Through personal statement workshops, Funches completed his essay before senior year began, allowing him to apply to five colleges within the first month applications opened.
"I finished my personal statement before the [school year began], so when I actually got to school, I was helping people write their personal statements, and I was basically done with applying to college," he said.
The program also demystified the financial aspects of college attendance. "They taught me that although sticker price at highly selective schools is high, they basically give me money and meet 100% of need-based aid," he said.
Armed with these practical skills and insights, Funches is now approaching his college experience at Tulane feeling prepared rather than anxious.
Looking ahead, Funches hopes to give back to his community and pursue a career either as a therapist, lawyer, or both. His approach to college reflects the exploratory mindset the Catalyst program fostered: "I just want to learn as much as I can in my years [at Tulane] and get a sense of what I want to settle on," he said. That curiosity, combined with his commitment to community service, positions him to become the kind of mentor who once guided him at UChicago.