Eligibility

In order to participate in Project EXCITE, a student must:

• be a member of a minority group under-represented in the scientific community;
• attend as a third grade student one of five elementary schools in Evanston School District 65 selected to participate in Project EXCITE:
  • Kingsley Elementary School
  • Lincoln Elementary School
  • Lincolnwood Elementary School
  • King Lab Magnet School
  • Bessie Rhodes Magnet School;
• have a demonstrated ability to excel in mathematics and science.
  

Identification

Parents of eligible students receive invitations to nominate their children for Project EXCITE.  Project EXCITE utilizes the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) and the Reading and Mathematics subtests of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) to evaluate academic talent.  Tests are administered in October.

Selection

Teachers recommend high-scoring students to participate in Project EXCITE. Students attend after-school enrichment classes in mathematics and science at Evanston Township High School beginning in late November or early December. Project EXCITE earning activities will continue through the summer after eighth grade graduation.