HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS
The Center for Access and Attainment serves as a resource and partner with Chicago area Catholic schools, Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and other educational organizations that prepare students for higher education. The Center is currently managing partnerships with college preparatory organizations that draw students from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Catholic School Partners
- Big Shoulders Fund provides support to Catholic schools in the neediest areas of inner-city Chicago. One hundred percent of the funds raised are used to support children through scholarships, special education programs, instructional equipment, much needed school facility improvements, faculty support, and operating grants.
- Cristo Rey Network is a national association of high schools that provides quality Catholic college preparatory education in communities with limited educational options. Schools utilize a longer school day and year, and require students to participate in work-study to help meet the cost of their education. DePaul partners with Cristo Rey by hosting student events and professional development programs for teachers and administrators.
Chicago Public School (CPS) Programs
- CPS AVID Program provides a curriculum-based initiative to place ‘average’ students in more challenging courses while providing added academic support. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) programs have been established at 40 Chicago neighborhood high schools during the past 3 years. DePaul hosts many AVID programming events.
- CPS International Baccalaureate programs provide rigorous college preparation curriculum implemented in 14 neighborhood high schools. DePaul has partnered with IB coordinators and teachers from these high schools to develop student programs and academic enrichment opportunities. The majority of IB students in Chicago are students of color and/or from low-income families.
- CPS Male Initiative Project is a mentoring program for African-American and Latino males established in 2006 by counselors and teachers in 30 CPS high schools. DePaul is the project’s main institutional higher education partner. The university has hosted the project's annual student development retreat for 200 African-American and Latino high school males from participating CPS high schools, provided a student intern for the project, and hosted project leaders for a student leadership and planning workshop.
Note: The CPS College Bridge program has been cancelled by Chicago Public Schools and will no longer be offered at DePaul University beginning January 2010.
Additional CPS Resources
- Chicago GEAR UP is a federally funded, six-year program that works in partnership with CPS to prepare Chicago students for success in postsecondary education.
- CPS Department of Postsecondary Education is committed to substantially increasing the number of CPS students who continue their education after high school by providing guidance, academic, enrichment opportunities and financial resources to students, parents and high schools.