A One-Semester Residential STEM Experience for High School Seniors
Beginning in January 2027, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) will welcome a select cohort of qualified high school seniors to campus for an immersive, one-semester residential experience.
The IMSA Scholar in Residence program gives students who have already met their local high school graduation requirements the opportunity to spend their final semester of high school living and learning on the IMSA campus. Scholars will experience rigorous, inquiry-based STEM academics, residential life, research and innovation, and a community of peers who share their passion for learning.
This experience expands access to IMSA’s distinctive residential learning environment while creating new pathways for highly motivated students to prepare for college and future STEM opportunities.
Application opens October 5, 2026.
Eligibility & Application Requirements
- Second-semester high school seniors who have already met their local graduation requirements.
- All applicants must submit the following.
- Online Application
- SAT or ACT Scores
- Official 2.5-year Grade Report with proof of completion of graduation requirements
- Teacher Evaluations
- One Essay
Why IMSA Scholar in Residence?
IMSA is committed to expanding access to authentic, on-campus experiences for more students across Illinois. Vision 2033 calls for IMSA to become more accessible in new ways, including through innovative opportunities that extend beyond the traditional three-year residential program.
IMSA Scholars are part of that vision. Through short-term and immersive experiences, students can engage with IMSA programs and learning opportunities while remaining connected to their home schools.
The Scholar in Residence program builds on this commitment by providing a full-semester residential experience for qualified high school seniors.
What Scholars Will Experience
Scholars will participate in inquiry-based IMSA coursework and have opportunities to take advanced electives, including dual-credit courses aligned with higher education pathways. The academic experience emphasizes more than STEM content. Students will develop the skills and habits that support success in college and beyond, including critical thinking, collaboration, communication, leadership, and independent learning. Scholars will also be eligible for dual credit courses offered through Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Waubonsee Community College. IMSA Scholars will gain direct exposure to the Academy's culture of research, innovation, and project-based learning. Through experiential learning opportunities, students can explore STEM questions and ideas in environments that encourage curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. The Scholar in Residence program can help students explore future academic pathways and connect with higher education partners. IMSA is developing strategic opportunities with colleges and universities interested in recruiting students with strong STEM interests and preparation. Current areas of interest include Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering at Chicago State University, as well as opportunities within the Southern Illinois University system. Explore Advanced STEM Academics
Engage in Research and Innovation
Build Connections With Higher Education
Who Is the Program For?
The IMSA Scholar in Residence program is designed for qualified high school seniors who have already met their local high school’s graduation requirements and are prepared to participate in a rigorous residential academic experience during the second semester of their senior year.
Students selected for the program will join a cohort beginning in January 2027 and remain on campus through May 2027.
Because the program is dependent on available residential capacity, admission will be limited. A waitpool will be established to help fill spaces that may become available after the initial selection process.
Program Timeline
- October 5, 2026: Scholar in Residence application officially released
- November 2, 2026: Application submission deadline
- November 20, 2026: Decisions are released
- January 3, 2027: Student move-in, cohort orientation, and program kickoff
- May 2027: Program concludes; students return to their home schools for traditional senior activities and graduation
A Different Kind of Senior Year
The semester before college can be an opportunity to explore, challenge yourself, and prepare for what’s next.
At IMSA, Scholars will have the opportunity to experience a rigorous STEM learning environment while developing the independence, leadership, communication, and self-advocacy skills that can help them transition successfully to higher education.
One semester. A new community. An experience designed to help you take your next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Scholar in Residence program begin?
The inaugural Scholar in Residence cohort will begin in January 2027 and continue through May 2027.
Who can apply for the IMSA Scholar in Residence program?
The program is intended for qualified second-semester high school seniors who have already completed their local graduation requirements and are prepared for a rigorous residential STEM learning experience.
Will Scholars live on the IMSA campus?
Yes. Selected Scholars will live on campus and participate in IMSA's residential living-learning environment throughout the semester. Students will be housed in one of the seven residence halls with full-time residential counselors and 24/7 Security oversight.
What will Scholars study?
Scholars will participate in inquiry-based IMSA coursework and may have opportunities to take advanced and dual-credit electives aligned with higher education pathways. Coursework and experiential learning will emphasize STEM, research, innovation, communication, leadership, and other skills that support college readiness.
Will Scholars receive college credit?
Students may have opportunities to enroll in dual-credit electives offered through Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Waubonsee Community College. Specific courses and credit arrangements will depend on the offerings available to the Scholar cohort.
Will students graduate from IMSA?
No. The Scholar in Residence program is a one-semester experience for students who remain enrolled with and graduate from their home high schools. At the conclusion of the program in May 2027, Scholars will return to their home schools for traditional senior activities and graduation.
How many students will participate?
The number of Scholars selected will depend on available residential bed capacity. A waitpool will be established during the selection process to help manage spaces that may become available.
When is the application available?
The Scholar in Residence application will be officially released on October 5, 2026. Applications are due November 2, 2026. Decisions will be released on November 20, 2026.
Why is IMSA offering a one-semester residential experience?
IMSA is exploring new ways to expand access to its distinctive educational experiences. The Scholar in Residence program supports the goals of Vision 2033 by creating an additional pathway for highly qualified students to experience IMSA's academic and residential environment.
What is the tuition cost to attend? And what does it include?
- Students will pay the semester tuition rate of $28,148. Financial assistance may be available for eligible students.
- Tuition covers housing, meals, supervision, and transportation.
Looking Ahead
The IMSA Scholar in Residence program represents a new way for students to experience the Academy’s distinctive combination of STEM excellence, residential learning, research, innovation, and community.
As IMSA continues to expand access to meaningful educational experiences across Illinois, Scholar in Residence provides another pathway for students to challenge themselves, connect with a community of learners, and prepare for what comes next.