SUMMER QUEST A CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS SUCCESS STORY College Access Affinity Group Conference Call May 22,

Summer Quest History  In 2003, Arne Duncan, CEO, Chicago Public Schools (CPS), invested significant financial and human resources to create the Department of Postsecondary Education. 2

Department of Postsecondary Education at CPS  Greg Darneider, Director, Department of Postsecondary Education, developed an unprecedented district wide strategy for CPS high school students’ postsecondary success. 3

Summer Quest played an integral part in overall CPS strategy Key activitiesIntroductions to post-secondary educational opportunities Supplemental academic preparation and leadership development Application support for college admissions, financial aid, and scholarships Enrollment support Advocate HS environments that develop leadership skills necessary for college success Transition to college Programs offered Summer Quest 4 AwarenessReadinessAccessSuccess “Our work is framed by four essential principles – awareness, readiness, access and success – that guide students’ successful transitions to four-year universities, community colleges, technical programs or vocational school.” CPS Department of Post-Secondary Education CPS strategy for sponsored programs:

5 Summer Quest Mission Statement To prepare motivated Chicago Public Schools high school students to participate in unique summer learning opportunities by providing pre-college counseling and need-based financial support. Summer Quest challenges students to envision, explore, and experience college culture, requirements, and learning options with the goal of increasing enrollment in college and other post- secondary learning programs.

Summer Quest Core Program Elements 6  Pre-College Counseling  Pre-College Summer Learning Opportunities  External Resources and Relationships  Program Evaluation and Research

The Summer Quest student profile 7 Source: Summer Quest database, 2006 Students represented many Chicago communities ~75% qualified for reduced cost lunch Students came from a range of academic profiles Participants came from a number of ethnic backgrounds ~70% of participants were female

Results: students developed many important skills 8 Q: What was the most significant part of your Summer Quest experience? Increased desire to attend, better prepared, etc. Better work ethic, gained specific skills, etc. Higher self confidence, increased self awareness, etc.

9 *Source: National Student Clearinghouse Data  Results: CPS pre-college pipeline programs consistently out performed the district in college enrollment numbers

College enrollment for College Bridge and Summer Quest are significantly higher than the district: ~ % higher college enrollment rates; ~ 40% higher 4 year college enrollment rate ; ~10% higher full time enrollment rate Summer Quest Indicator College enrollment rate 78.5%89.1%70.5 % % enrolled in 4 year college 94.0%96.5 %97.7 % % enrolled full time 90.5%84.2 %83.7 % CPS College Enrollment Rate % % % Results: CPS pre-college pipeline programs consistently out performed the district in college enrollment numbers 10

11 Student Voices My Summer Quest Experience was Amazing! I met new friends, rock climbed and challenged myself everyday to try a little harder each day. If I had the chance to do it again I would do it in a heartbeat.

12 Student Voices I took four courses during my stay Biomechanics Biochemistry Vehicle Collision Engineering for a sustainable society I went to a couple of field trips General Motors Salvage yard 2 local hospitals Base Camp Cedar Point Fluid Systems plant Kettering University’s President’s home We did a couple of special projects Built a ramp at a sick woman’s home Restaurant Class Making a product eco- friendly Everything involved teamwork Every experience that I was in, taught me that teamwork and confidence is what you need to succeed. When I was in class, I met girls fully engaged in the subject. They contributed to the fullest, and I realized that those kind of people DO exist!

13 Questions

More Information Contact: Rhonda Bell Ari Bee Consulting Phone: