College Preparatory Enrichment Program

Application Guidelines and Instructions

The College Preparatory Enrichment Program (CPEP) of the SAME Network operated by the Department of Community Affairs at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, will offer students in grades six through eight, an opportunity to participate in year-round after school and summer learning activities. Students are accepted in the program as sixth graders and are retained until they enter high school, at which time they matriculate to the High School Internship Program provided they meet minimum requirements. The goal of CPEP is to provide participants with equitable access to opportunities to excel in science at an international level. The SAME Network believes that by exposing students to science while integrating math and technology, students will gain increased confidence in their own abilities to perform related tasks, ultimately improving their academic achievements and encouraging more students to enter into science-related careers.

CPEP is an inquiry-based program that will be held after school, on Saturdays and on school holidays. Participants in grades seven and eight will experience an intense summer learning program on the campus of Benedictine University. Both program components would include mentoring opportunities with teaching professionals, health and science professionals, senior community members, and high school and college students. CPEP will also include family workshops and supplementary workshops help participants ultimately achieve education and career goals.

Applicant Qualifications

• Possess a strong desire to pursue a science-related career, preferably health-related
• Be a U.S. resident
• Enrolled in the sixth grade
• Have a minimum grade average of “C” or better in the past year
• Demonstrate good skills and positive habits
• Capable of devoting 80-130 hours (Saturday sessions) to program activities on an annual basis

Application Process

• Mail or deliver a completed SAME Network College Preparatory Enrichment Program Application for 2007-2008. You can download a copy of the application by using the link under “Related Topics” on the right-hand side of this page.
  • Proved Personal Information requested
  • Briefly elaborate on all Short Essays
  • Submit copies of documents outlined in Supplemental Information
  • Submit two (2) original Teacher Recommendation Forms in a sealed envelope with application; access the Teacher Recommendation Form and the Recommendation Rating Scale in the application by using the link under “Related Topics” on the right-hand side of this page.
  • Complete Parent/Guardian Information
  • Complete Emergency Information
  • Accept and sign Applicant Statement (Applicant)
  • Accept and sign Parent/Guardian Statement (Parent/Guardian)
• Finalists will participate in a personal interview with Rush University Medical Center staff and stakeholders. Interviews will be scheduled on one of the following days: January 2, 2008, or January 3, 2008.

The application deadline is November 14, 2007. (Applications must be received or postmarked by November 14, 2007.) Late applications will not be considered.

Mail applications to:

Mishawna Manning
Community Affairs
Rush University Medical Center
401 Kidston Building
1653 West Congress Parkway
Chicago, IL 60612-3833

Please note: Submit original application and teacher recommendations. Retain a copy of all submitted documents for your records.

For further information, contact Mishawna Manning in Community Affairs at 312-942-3016 or community_affairs@rush.edu.