Success Programs
First-year students greatly increase their chances of academic success when they enroll in one of ŷϷ Illinois University’s Success Programs! ŷϷ offers five success programs on the Main Campus—plus individual programs at the El Centro and Carruthers Center locations.
Carruthers Center Scholars
(Offered only at the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies in the Bronzeville neighborhood)
The Carruthers Center, located in Chicago's historic Bronzeville neighborhood, takes pride in being an African-centered institution that provides educational opportunities within a culturally comfortable and easily accessible setting. The freshman cohort at Carruthers provides a supportive structure to ensure your successful transition to college. If you want something that is closer to home but still want to be part of a four-year institution, CCICS is a great option.
College of Arts and Sciences Education Program
The College of Arts and Sciences Education Program (CASEP) helps freshmen decide—through targeted coursework, field experiences and thoughtful reflection—if teaching is the right career path for them. Students take general education courses that count toward any degree at ŷϷ, so even if a student decides not to become a teacher, CASEP’s coursework allows them to pursue other academic paths.
Creating Access to STEM for All
Creating Access to STEM for All (CASA) is funded by the U.S. Department of Education to support students in earning a bachelor’s degree and learning about science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) disciplines. Freshmen enter as a cohort and will take six interdisciplinary credit-bearing courses that fulfill general education requirements. After the first year, students have the opportunity to participate in a summer research residency to enhance their studies.
El Centro Scholars
(Offered only at the El Centro location in the Avondale neighborhood)
Based at our El Centro location, El Centro Scholars offers freshmen a holistic college experience by creating a campus culture that enhances student learning, academic success, and leadership development through its cohort system. El Centro embraces students from all backgrounds and lived experiences—traditional and transfer students alike. If you want to be close to home but still experience a four-year institution located in the Avondale neighborhood, El Centro is a great option for you.
Project Success
Established in 1968 as an educational access and equity program, the main focus is to recruit and retain African American students. Today, Project Success remains dedicated to access and equity for African American students, but also serves students of all races, ethnicities, nationalities and backgrounds by providing support services that help students build a strong academic and social foundation.
Proyecto Pa’Lante
Started in 1972, Proyecto Pa’lante was established as an educational outreach program to promote college access for the Latino community, providing academic support services on campus. It currently provides a holistic approach to enhance student learning, intercultural competencies, and leadership development with a continued focus on Latinx culture and bilingual and bicultural support.
TRIO Student Support Services
Since 2010, TRIO Student Support Services has been funded by the U.S. Department of Education to offer support to students who are income-eligible, first-generation, and/or have disabilities. Academic and social support is individualized and includes advising, tutoring, and financial and career planning. TRIO’s three programs (Achieve, Access and Teacher Prep) are designed to help students navigate the university experience, from understanding coursework to working with faculty and staff, to better prepare students for success at NEIU and beyond.
The Wentworth Scholars
The Wentworth Scholars Program assists with the academic and social transition to the University by providing programs and services that foster a sense of belonging, the development of academic and social skills, and the identification of a clear academic and career path. The program is named after Daniel S. Wentworth, the first principal of the Cook County Normal School, founded in 1867, which later became ŷϷ