Progress Updates
IMSA’s impact goes beyond its campus. This pillar highlights our commitment to expanding fair access to STEM education across Illinois, especially for students from diverse cultural, language, and economic backgrounds. Through partnerships, outreach, and innovative programs, IMSA works to close equity gaps and ensure that the future of STEM reflects the diversity and talent of our state.
Third Quarter 2025-2026
In the third quarter, IMSA expanded its statewide impact by growing access to STEM opportunities through programs like PROMISE, SRELO, and online courses, while elevating student voice and reinforcing a clear equity message that invites and supports diverse learners from across Illinois. Highlights include:
- June Term Launches for Free AI Credential Course
The spring AI Credential online course has enrollment of 209 students and educators in its spring semester course which wraps up 5/29/26. The June term is currently accepting registrations.
- Illinois Students from Local Schools Engaging in Summer Research Experiences Through IMSA Hubs and Partnerships
We received 183 Summer Research and Learning Opportunities (SRELO) applications from IMSA students and 55 from non-IMSA students (IMSA Scholars) in an effort to expand statewide access to signature IMSA programming. In addition, IMSA is offering an online Research Fundamentals course to IMSA Scholar participants prior to their summer research experience to prepare them with foundational knowledge for the best experience possible. The programs will be held at SIUC, SIUE, UIC, NIU and University of Missouri Columbia. Two University partners will offer commuter or remote experiences (Chicago State University and UIUC/ DPI). All students will be invited to present their research at the Summer Symposium.
- PROMISE Program Expands to IMSA Innovation Hubs
The PROMISE Program is serving 186 7th grade students and 98 8th grade students, including participants at the Aurora Campus, SIUC Hub, Metro East Hub, and Chicago Hub. Registration for the summer PROMISE program commenced with current 8th grade participants, and an application was released to the public for new students.
- Online Algebra Course for Middle Grade Illinois Students Available this Summer
An online Enriched Algebra course will run over the summer for students in grades 6-8.
- Equity in STEM Video Series Advances Inclusive Representation in STEM
The DEIU Student Team created an Equity in STEM video series that elevates the voices and lived experiences of CLED and underrecognized students, reinforcing IMSA’s commitment to ensuring that all students in Illinois see themselves reflected, supported, and empowered in STEM pathways while informing more inclusive practices across the Academy.
- Elevator Pitch Invites All Illinois Students into STEM Programs
Based on a Think Tank session with colleagues about developing a STEM Equity pitch for IMSA, an elevator pitch describing how IMSA invites students from across the state into its STEM programming was developed:
- Equity in STEM isn’t just about who gets in; it’s about whose perspectives shape the future. At IMSA, we intentionally identify, invite, and support students from across Illinois, recognizing that diverse experiences drive deeper understanding and more innovative solutions. When students are equipped to explore and lead, we don’t just broaden participation; we redefine what’s possible.
Second Quarter 2025-2026
This quarter, IMSA advanced its statewide mission to broaden access to high-quality STEM learning, particularly for students from culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse backgrounds. Through expanded programming, strengthened partnerships, and increased outreach, we continue to reduce barriers and create pathways that reflect the diversity of talent across Illinois.Highlights include:
- PROMISE Program Growth & Pathway Development
PROMISE saw strong interest for the spring session with 305 seventh-grade and 60 eighth-grade applications submitted. In addition, IMSA received 72 tutor applications, including 32 former PROMISE participants, demonstrating a powerful and expanding pipeline of alumni returning to serve and uplift the next generation of learners.
- SRELO Recruitment & Engagement
Three SRELO information sessions were held in January for sophomores and juniors. We also staffed a table during the electives fair to answer questions and promote opportunities.
IMSA identified four faculty mentors for SRELO 2026 and secured 12 higher education and industry partners—seven of which are Illinois colleges or universities. Students participating in SRELO will prepare research summaries for Digital Commons, strengthening authentic research and dissemination skills.
- AI Learning Opportunities for Students
The online AI Credential course launched on schedule to help meet the statewide demand for accessible AI education.
First Quarter 2025
All outreach and online programs are posted on the website, including the new asynchronous online AI Credential course. Registration is open for IMSA’s new semester-long, asynchronous AI Credential course available FREE for all Illinois high school students, aimed at exploring the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI). The course features weekly office hour opportunities facilitated by IMSA CS Faculty and runs Jan. 12, 2026 – May 29, 2026. Students will receive a certificate upon completion of the course.
There are two online courses currently in progress: Survey of Science and RISE. There are plans for a spring Research Fundamentals and Algebra Skills course for IMSA Scholars.
Plans are underway for SRELO 2026. Previous and new mentors are being contacted to serve as host sites.
The PROMISE program is being offered at all Innovation Hubs in Spring 2026, including SIUC, SIUE, and Dominican University locations.
Leadership is meeting with the University of Chicago and SIUE on additional dual credit opportunities.