Project EXCITE
In 1998, in collaboration with teachers from ETHS, the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University began development of Project EXCITE. The first cohort of Project EXCITE third graders was selected during the 2000-2001 school year; these students just graduated from high school. During each subsequent year, Project EXCITE has continued to select a cohort of 20-25 under-represented third grade students from five participating District 65 elementary schools (King Lab, Rhodes Magnet, Kingsley, Lincoln and Lincolnwood). EXCITE currently serves 120-130 under-represented minority students in grades 3-8.
Project EXCITE is a six-year program that provides an array of supports and services to minority students including: enrichment classes held after-school, on weekends, and during the summer; tutoring; practice on and preparation for important “gateway” exams for math and high school placement; and educational guidance and counseling. Students receive support until they begin high school, at which point they enter existing programs for minority students that are run by ETHS (e.g. Steps toward Academic Excellence (STAE), Advancement by Individual Determination (AVID).
Project EXCITE serves minority students without regard to family income, intervenes early, and provides an array of supports over a six-year period. Components of the program have changed over the years as Project EXCITE leaders have learned “what works.” Changes include a focus on reading scores when selecting students for Project EXCITE as well as on science and mathematics scores, and additional tutoring for middle school students who are taking high school level mathematics courses. A cadre of volunteers from the Northwestern community provides this tutoring.
In 1998, in collaboration with teachers from ETHS, the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University began development of Project EXCITE. The first cohort of Project EXCITE third graders was selected during the 2000-2001 school year; these students just graduated from high school. During each subsequent year, Project EXCITE has continued to select a cohort of 20-25 under-represented third grade students from five participating District 65 elementary schools (King Lab, Rhodes Magnet, Kingsley, Lincoln and Lincolnwood). EXCITE currently serves 120-130 under-represented minority students in grades 3-8.
Project EXCITE is a six-year program that provides an array of supports and services to minority students including: enrichment classes held after-school, on weekends, and during the summer; tutoring; practice on and preparation for important “gateway” exams for math and high school placement; and educational guidance and counseling. Students receive support until they begin high school, at which point they enter existing programs for minority students that are run by ETHS (e.g. Steps toward Academic Excellence (STAE), Advancement by Individual Determination (AVID).
Project EXCITE serves minority students without regard to family income, intervenes early, and provides an array of supports over a six-year period. Components of the program have changed over the years as Project EXCITE leaders have learned “what works.” Changes include a focus on reading scores when selecting students for Project EXCITE as well as on science and mathematics scores, and additional tutoring for middle school students who are taking high school level mathematics courses. A cadre of volunteers from the Northwestern community provides this tutoring.
