Indulge Your Love of Learning
Spring PROMISE Program
Leading Students 2 Success (LS2S), 7th and 8th Grades
Applications for the Spring 2027 cohort coming soon!
We are excited to offer programming this spring at IMSA in Aurora and at our regional hub locations in Carbondale, Chicago, and the Metro East. Additional details for each location will be shared as they become available.
The PROMISE – Leading Students 2 Success (LS2S) Program is designed for Illinois students currently enrolled in 7th or 8th grade. 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, provide exposure to various disciplines, and promote 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.
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 spring 2027 is open to all Illinois students enrolled in the 7th grade or 8th grade (2026-27 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:
- February 6 - Mandatory Family Orientation
- February 20
- February 27
- March 6
- March 13
- March 20
- April 10
- April 17
Program Time: 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Students will participate in four 45-minute class periods each session: Mathematics, Science, Specials, and an additional course. The Specials period features a rotating schedule of presentations and activities led by IMSA faculty, staff, and external guest speakers. A brunch break is included each day.
All learning activities are completed during the program, and no homework is assigned.
To receive the full benefit of the program, participants are expected to attend at minimum five of the eight scheduled sessions.
Location: Chicago, Dominican University – Chicago Campus (1815 S. Paulina St. Chicago, IL 60608)
Program Dates:
- January 30 - Mandatory Family Orientation
- February 6
- February 20
- February 27
- March 6
- March 13
- March 20
- April 10
- April 17
Program Time:
- 9:00AM - 12:00PM (7th Grade)
- 1:00PM - 4:00PM (8th Grade)
Students will participate in three class periods each session: Mathematics, Science, and an additional course (topic varies by grade level). More information to come!
All learning activities are completed during the program, and no homework is assigned.
To receive the full benefit of the program, participants are expected to attend at least five of the eight scheduled sessions.
Additional details for the Metro East and Carbondale locations will be shared soon.
Application Materials
Our PROMISE Program application opens at various points in the year, depending on grade level.
The Spring 2027 PROMISE - LS2S Program application will soon be available to students enrolled in the 7th or 8th grade for the 2026-27 school year.
All application materials are due by: TBA
The application will consist of the following items:
- Complete the online application
- Student Interest Statement
- Parent Statement
- School Counselor Form
- This form will include the request for the following grade reports:
- 2024-2025 Grade Report
- 2025-2026 Grade Report
- This form will include the request for the following grade reports:
- Teacher Evaluation Form from a current or previous Math or Science teacher
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
Our team can confirm receipt of the evaluation once an application has been saved in progress or submitted.
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.
Our team can confirm receipt of the evaluation once an application has been saved in progress or submitted.
Application Timeline
Spring 2027 PROMISE - LS2S Program:
Application Deadline: TBA
Decisions Released: TBA
Fees
There is no cost to apply and if invited, no cost to participate in the Spring 2027 PROMISE – LS2S Program.
Ready to Apply?
Application coming soon!
Summer PROMISE Program
Summer Enrichment in Academics in Mathematics and Science (SEAMS), Rising 9th Graders
Application and details for the Summer 2027 cohort can be expected Spring 2027.
The PROMISE – Summer Program, also known as Summer Enrichment in Academics in Mathematics and Science (SEAMS), is designed for Illinois students in 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.
Fall PROMISE Program
Early Involvement Program (EIP), 9th Grade
Location: Aurora, IMSA Campus (1500 Sullivan Road)
Applications and details for the Fall 2027 cohort can be expected August 2027.
The PROMISE – Early Involvement Program (EIP) is designed for Illinois students enrolled in the 9th grade for the 2026-27 school year. This program runs for 8 sessions on Saturday mornings (9:00AM -1:00PM) 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 at 1500 Sullivan Rd., Aurora, IL 60506.