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Summer 2026 PROMISE Program
Summer Enrichment in Academics in Mathematics and Science (SEAMS), Rising 9th Graders
Deadline to Apply: April 13, 2026
Location: Aurora, IMSA Campus (1500 Sullivan Rd, Aurora, IL 60506)
Program Dates: Saturday June 20 through Sunday, June 28, 2026
The PROMISE – Summer Program, also known as Summer Enrichment in Academics in Mathematics and Science (SEAMS), is designed for Illinois students between their 8th and 9th grade years. Students currently enrolled in the 8th grade are eligible to apply. This immersive, week-long residential experience takes place on the campus of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora, Illinois and offers students an opportunity to explore rigorous STEM learning while experiencing aspects of life at IMSA.
The program emphasizes academic exploration and engagement. Students participate in a series of courses in math, science, English, SAT preparation, and more, designed to challenge their thinking and build confidence in a collaborative learning environment. The schedule intentionally balances structured academic experiences with time for students to connect with peers, IMSA students, and get a glimpse of daily life as an IMSA student. Meals are provided, and students can expect homework assignments, sit for a practice SAT exam, opportunities to work both collaboratively and independently, and time outside the classroom to build community.
In addition to their coursework, students also participate in activities that enrich the residential experience, including a service opportunity and a trip to Funway Entertainment Center.
Invited students are expected to remain on campus for the full duration of the program. There is no cost to apply, and students who are invited to participate will be asked to pay a $50 program fee.
Eligibility
IMSA's PROMISE Programs aim to address the challenges of culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse (CLED) students. PROMISE is a proven model of success for realizing the vision of a highly diverse and creative STEM workforce. This grant-funded program for Summer 2026 is open to all Illinois students currently enrolled in the 8th grade (2025-26 school year), especially Black or African American students, Latinx students, students who qualify for the national free or reduced-price meal program, and students from rural Illinois counties.
Program Dates + Details
Location: Aurora, IMSA Campus (1500 Sullivan Rd, Aurora, IL 60506)
Program Dates: Saturday June 20 through Sunday, June 28, 2026
The PROMISE - Summer Program, also known as Summer Enrichment in Academics in Mathematics and Science (SEAMS), is designed for Illinois students between their 8th and 9th grade years. Students currently enrolled in the 8th grade are eligible to apply. This immersive, week-long residential experience takes place on the campus of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora, Illinois and offers students an opportunity to explore rigorous STEM learning while experiencing aspects of life at IMSA.
The program emphasizes academic exploration and engagement. Students participate in a series of courses in math, science, English, SAT preparation, and more, designed to challenge their thinking and build confidence in a collaborative learning environment. The schedule intentionally balances structured academic experiences with time for students to connect with peers, IMSA students, and get a glimpse of daily life as an IMSA student. Meals are provided, and students can expect homework assignments, sit for a practice SAT exam, opportunities to work both collaboratively and independently, and time outside the classroom to build community.
In addition to their coursework, students also participate in activities that enrich the residential experience, including a service opportunity and a trip to Funway Entertainment Center.
Location: Aurora, IMSA Main Campus
1500 Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60503
Grades Served: 7th & 8th Grade
Program Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Session Dates:
- February 7 (Family Orientation)
- February 21
- February 28
- March 7
- March 14
- March 21
- March 28
- April 18
Location: Dominican University, Chicago Campus
1805 S. Paulina Street, Chicago, IL 60608
Grades Served: 7th Grade Only
Program Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Session Dates:
- February 7
- February 21
- March 7
- March 21 (Virtual)
- April 4
- April 18
- May 2
- May 16 (Virtual)
Location: Carbondale Hub @ SIUC, Pulliam Hall
475 Clocktower Dr., Carbondale, IL 62901
Grades Served: 7th Grade Only
Program Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Session Dates:
- February 28
- March 21
- March 28
- April 4
- April 18
- April 25
- May 2
- May 16
Location: Metro East Hub @ SIUE, Southwestern IL Justice & Workforce Development Center, Belleville
2300 W Main St., Belleville, IL 62226
Grades Served: 7th Grade Only
Program Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Session Dates:
- February 28
- March 7
- March 14
- March 21
- March 28
- April 11
- April 18
- April 25
Application Materials
Our PROMISE Program application opens at various points in the year, depending on grade level. The Summer 2026 PROMISE - SEAMS Program application is now available for current 8th graders
All application materials are due by the listed deadline: April 13, 2026.
The application will consist of the following items:
- Complete the online application
- Student Interest Statement
- Parent Statement
- Teacher Evaluation Form from the current Math or Science teacher
- School Counselor Form
- This form will include the request for the following grade reports:
- 2024-2025 Grade Report
- 2025-2026 Grade Report (first semester only)
- This form will include the request for the following grade reports:
Students enrolled in homeschool programs will need to provide additional documentation explaining the curriculum, evaluation process, and texts used. The teacher evaluation must be completed by a non-family member who knows the student’s work well.
Teacher Evaluation
School Administrator Form + Grade Reports
Once you have started your online application, you will reach a section dedicated to form requests. A link to the evaluation form will be found there. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide this link directly to your teacher of choice.
The School Counselor Form can be sent to an academic school counselor (top choice), the principal, the assistant principal, the registrar, or another school administrator with access to student records. We recommend notifying your administrator before sending a form request so they are prepared to complete it. The form will be completed electronically, and submissions come directly to the PROMISE team.
The form will request general information about the school the applicant attends, general academic information, and will include the request for grade reports.
Application Timeline
Summer 2026 PROMISE - SEAMS Program:
March 13, 2026: Application Opens
April 13, 2026: Final date to submit application and all required materials
April 30, 2026: Decisions are released via email
June 20-28, 2026: Programming takes place
Fees
There is no cost to apply for the Spring 2026 Summer PROMISE – SEAMS Program. Students selected to participate will be asked to submit a $50 participation fee. Fee waivers are available for eligible families.
Spring 2026 PROMISE Program
Leading Students 2 Success (LS2S), 7th and 8th Grades
Application to the 7th & 8th grade program is now closed. Applications for Spring 2027 can be expected this fall 2026.
The PROMISE – Leading Students 2 Success (LS2S) Program is designed for Illinois students currently enrolled in 7th or 8th grade (varies by location). This enrichment program runs for eight Saturday sessions each spring, typically from February through May. Participants engage in a variety of hands-on classes in mathematics, science, computer science, and beyond, all designed to strengthen or reinforce skills, exposure to various disciplines, and personal development.
Participation in this program requires an application, and students invited to join are expected to commit to attending all scheduled sessions. Admission is competitive.
This year, we are excited to offer the PROMISE–LS2S experience at four locations across Illinois. One application serves all sites, and students may indicate their preferred location within the form.
Please note: Available grade levels differ by site. Not all locations offer both 7th and 8th grade sessions. Details are provided below.
Location: Aurora, IMSA Main Campus
1500 Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60503
Grades Served: 7th & 8th Grade
Program Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
2026 Session Dates:
- February 7 (Family Orientation)
- February 21
- February 28
- March 7
- March 14
- March 21
- March 28
- April 18
Location: Dominican University, Chicago Campus
1805 S. Paulina Street, Chicago, IL 60608
Grades Served: 7th Grade Only
Program Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
2026 Session Dates:
- February 7
- February 21
- March 7
- March 21 (Virtual)
- April 4
- April 18
- May 2
- May 16 (Virtual)
Location: Carbondale Hub @ SIUC, Pulliam Hall
475 Clocktower Dr, Carbondale, IL 62901
Grades Served: 7th Grade Only
Program Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
2026 Session Dates:
- February 28
- March 21
- March 28
- April 4
- April 18
- April 25
- May 2
- May 16
Location: Metro East Hub @ SIUE, Southwestern IL Justice & Workforce Development Center, Belleville
2300 W Main St, Belleville, IL 62226
Grades Served: 7th Grade Only
Program Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
2026 Session Dates:
- February 28
- March 7
- March 14
- March 21
- March 28
- April 11
- April 18
- April 25
Fall 2026 PROMISE Program
Early Involvement Program (EIP), 9th Grade
Location: Aurora, IMSA Campus
Applications are currently closed – next cycle of applications will be Fall 2026.
The PROMISE – Early Involvement Program (EIP) Program is designed for Illinois students enrolled in the 9th grades. This program runs for approximately 8 sessions on Saturday mornings each fall, typically September through December. Students attend various classes in mathematics, science, computer science, and more. Program sessions take place at IMSA’s campus i