The Center for Talent Development's Midwest Academic Project EXCITE
CTD's Project EXCITE
Our Program



Overview
Welcome! Evolving from collaborative efforts between Center for Talent Development and Evanston, Illinois, School Districts 65 and 202, Project EXCITE identifies talented minority students in grade 3 and nurtures their talents in math and science until they enter Evanston Township High School, prepared and excited to excel.

With funding from Northwestern University, Center for Talent Development created Project EXCITE in 1999, using expertise acquired from more than 30 years of research and work with gifted children. By closely studying student progress and the effects of Project EXCITE methodologies, CTD is developing a model that can be adapted by other educational institutions seeking to increase the level of student interest in mathematics, engineering and the sciences.

Project EXCITE Model
Problem:
Underrepresentation of minority students in honors and AP® courses at Evanston Township High School (ETHS)
Solution:
Project EXCITE, an academic collaboration between Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development and School District 65, is designed to nurture gifted minority students’ skills and interest in math and science from grade 3 through grade 8, preparing them for advanced study and success upon entrance to high school.
Program Premises:
  • Underrepresentation of African American and Latino students in honors and AP math and science courses is preventable through early intervention.
  • Minority students are capable of high achievement in math and science courses but sometimes need help in overcoming the financial, emotional and environmental barriers they may face.
  • Intervention must occur early and must be sustainable through entrance into high school.
Goals:
Prior to students entering grade 9, Project EXCITE will:
  • nurture students toward and through completion of Algebra 1 or Algebra 1 and Geometry;
  • expose students to significant laboratory science experience; and 
  • create a vibrant learning community for the bright minority student, encouraging students to bond with and support one another as they begin to take challenging high school courses.
Strategies:
Identify participants early -- in grade 3 -- to maximize the impact of the program.

Nurture skills and interest in math and science through a six-year series of challenging and engaging enrichment courses offered after-school, on Saturdays and in the summer.

Support students and their families throughout the program by maintaining frequent contact and encouraging participation.

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Eligibility
In order to enroll in Project EXCITE, a student must:
  • be a member of a minority group under-represented in the scientific community;
  • attend grade 3 at one of five participating elementary schools in Evanston School District 65:
    • Kingsley Elementary School
    • Lincoln Elementary School
    • Lincolnwood Elementary School
    • King Lab Magnet School
    • Bessie Rhodes Magnet School; and
  • demonstrate ability to excel in mathematics and science.
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Funding
Participation in Project EXCITE Program is free to all qualifying students in School District 65.

As proof of its commitment to the Evanston, Illinois, community, Northwestern University generously underwrites the cost of the program. The Evanston/Skokie School District 65 and Evanston Township High School have also provided funding and in-kind support.

Corporate donors have included Morgan Stanley, Citicorp and Coca-Cola.
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Recruitment
Project EXCITE recruitment follows an easy, three-step process.

Step 1: Invitation
At the start of each school year, Project EXCITE identifies and invites all underrepresented students in grade 3 at five participating District 65 schools – Kingsley, Lincoln, King Lab, Lincolnwood and Bessie Rhodes Magnet – to participate in the selection process by sending invitations to students’ parents.

Step 2: Testing and Recommendation
In October the same year, applicants take reading and math tests from the Iowa Test of Basic Skills Survey Battery, as well as the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test. Teachers recommend high-scoring students to participate in Project EXCITE.

Step 3: Selection and Enrollment
Project EXCITE selects 20 to 25 students based on test performance and classroom achievements. Students enroll in Project EXCITE in late November or early December and begin attending after-school enrichment classes in math and science at Evanston Township High School. Project EXCITE learning activities continue through the summer after students complete grade 8.

 
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