PROMISE Pathway

Indulge Your Love of Learning

IMSA Promise Pathway

Spring PROMISE Program (LS2S) – 7th and 8th Grades

The application for the spring PROMISE Program is closed. Check back for details in fall 2025.

The PROMISE Leading Students 2 Success (LS2S) Program is designed for Illinois students currently enrolled in the 7th and 8th grades. This program runs for approximately 8 sessions on Saturday mornings each Spring, typically February through April. Students attend various classes in mathematics, science, computer science, and more. Program sessions take place at IMSA’s campus.

Summer PROMISE Program (SEAMS) – Rising 9th Graders

Application for the summer 2025 PROMISE – SEAMS Program is closed. Check back for details spring 2025.

The PROMISE Summer Program, also known as Summer Enrichment in Academics in Mathematics and Science (SEAMS), is designed for students between their 8th and 9th grade years. Illinois students currently enrolled in the 8th grade are eligible to apply. This immersive academic week-long residential experience takes place on IMSA’s campus in Aurora, IL. Explore additional details below!

Early Involvement Program (EIP) – 9th Grade

Applications are now available!

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.

Please review all of the program details listed below and on the application. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Deadline: September 5, 2025

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 fall 2025 is open to all Illinois students currently enrolled in the 9th 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.

 

The fall PROMISE Program will take place at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy located in Aurora (1500 Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506) on 8 designated Saturday session from 9:00AM - 1:00PM.
The experience is offered to academically talented students who are currently enrolled in the 9th grade and who are interested in mathematics and/or science.
The emphasis of the experience will be academic - students participate in a series of courses in math, science, and beyond.
Session Dates:
  1. September 13 - Family Orientation 
  2. September 20
  3. October 4
  4. October 11 (Virtual Session via Zoom)
  5. November 1
  6. November 15
  7. December 6
  8. December 13

Our PROMISE Program application opens at various points in the year depending on grade level. The fall 2025 PROMISE Program application deadline is September 5, 2025.

The application will consist of the following items:

  • Complete the online application
  • Student Essay
  • Parent Statement
  • Teacher Evaluation Form from a previous Math or Science teacher (optional)
  • School Counselor Form
    • This form will include the request for the following grade reports:
      • 2023-2024 Grade Report
      • 2024-2025 Grade Report

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 know the student’s work well.

All application materials are due by the listed deadline: April18, 2025

A teacher evaluation is optional for the fall 2025 application.
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.
The Teacher Evaluation should be completed by a previous math or science teacher. It is reccomended that you notify and communicate with your teacher before sending an evaluation request, so they are prepared to complete the evaluation and understand what you are applying for. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide this link directly to your teacher of choice. Teachers will complete the evaluation form electroically and submissions come directly to the PROMISE team.
The recommendation form will ask teachers to tell our team more about the applicants STEM interests, participation, prepration, collaboartion skills and more.

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.

The School Counselor Form can be sent to an academic school counselor (top choice), prinicipal, assistant principal, registrar, or similar school administrator who has access to student records. We recommend notifying your administrator before sending a form request, so they are prepared to complete the form. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide this link directly to your school official. 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 for the last 2 years (23-24 and 24-25 school year).

Summer 2025 PROMISE - SEAMS Program: 

August 5, 2025: Application Opens
September 3, 2025: Final date to submit application
September 8, 2025: Decisions are released via email

September 13, 2025: Session 1, Family Orientation @ IMSA

There is no cost to apply for the fall 2025 PROMISE Program.

Additionally, students who are invited to participate are not charged a fee to officially register.

 

Contact

Jacqueline Salinas
Mission & Impact Operations Manager
¡Hablo español!

630.907.5566
jsalinas@imsa.edu