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
Third quarter progress advanced statewide STEM equity by elevating student voice through the Equity in STEM video series and clarifying IMSA’s commitment through a unified equity pitch that emphasizes belonging, access, and empowerment for CLED and underrepresented learners across Illinois. Highlights include:
- Equity in STEM Video Series Gives Voice to Underrecognized Students in STEM
The DEIU Student Team created Equity in STEM videos in which CLED and Underrecognized students discussed their perspective of STEM equity. Students were asked to reflect on their personal STEM journeys, including what initially drew them to STEM and why they chose IMSA. They explored their understanding of equity in STEM, particularly what it means to be a minority in these spaces and what motivates them to persist. Students also discussed the unique opportunities IMSA has provided and how those experiences have shaped their growth. In addition, they were prompted to identify areas for improvement, academically, culturally, and in access to opportunities, and to suggest changes that would make STEM at IMSA more equitable and inclusive. Finally, students reflected on their future career goals, the obstacles they have already encountered, and potential barriers they anticipate as they continue in STEM fields.
- Elevator Pitch Focuses on Why STEM Equity
Based on a Think Tank session with colleagues about developing a STEM Equity pitch for IMSA, five elevator suggestions were workshopped. The result was a combined elevator pitch explaining the “why” behind equity at IMSA:
- At IMSA, STEM equity isn’t just about opening doors, it’s about intentionally inviting and supporting diverse learners, especially CLED and Underrecognized students, to fully belong, engage, and lead. We know that one perspective can’t solve the world’s most complex problems. When students from different backgrounds bring their lived experiences into STEM, they expand how we think, question, and innovate. Our role isn’t just to provide access, but to build the systems, supports, and opportunities that ensure every student, regardless of starting point, can thrive. Because when diverse minds are not just present, but truly included and empowered, we don’t just change who participates in STEM—we transform 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.