SMASH Illinois is a free, three-year residential program that provides intensive STEM education, mentorship, and college preparation specifically for underrepresented high school students, with a focus on creating future innovators and leaders.
SMASH Illinois is a free, three-year residential college preparatory program for high school students from underrepresented communities, hosted at Illinois Institute of Technology. The program aims to empower students to deepen their talents and pursue STEM careers. Scholars live and study at Illinois Tech for five weeks each summer, focusing on building core technical skills in computing, including artificial intelligence. The curriculum includes rigorous science, technology, and math classes, supplemented by academic year programming. Students also develop presentation skills, engage in peer review, and work on projects like developing AR app prototypes through a social justice lens, addressing community problems in urban planning, medical and health sciences, or education. The program emphasizes a holistic approach, incorporating college success classes, networking opportunities with STEM professionals, and mentorship.
A typical day begins with an early morning wake-up call, followed by breakfast and a community circle for reflection. Students then spend three hours in STEM workshops, working in small groups on projects.
The ideal student is a high schooler from an underrepresented community interested in an intensive, STEM-focused college preparatory experience with a strong emphasis on social justice and career readiness.
Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL
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