The Phoenix STEM Pre-Orientation Program is a transformative two-week initiative designed to empower and prepare students wanting to study STEM-related disciplines for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in their academic journeys. Geared toward high-achieving students ready to become leaders in STEM, the program sets forth three key objectives:
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Foster a positive and inclusive environment within the STEM community, creating a supportive space for scholars to thrive.
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Increase the number of students from under-resourced high schools graduating with STEM degrees by providing them with a foundational and collaborative learning experience.
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Bridge the GPA gap within the first two years of the target population compared to their non-target counterparts.
These objectives are achieved by focusing on the strengths of our individual scholars, and on the strength of the supportive community we build. Throughout the two-week program, participants engage in a dynamic array of activities, including three comprehensive lectures and corresponding problem sets spanning disciplines such as Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science. The program promotes collaborative learning experiences and offers guided tours of labs that may serve as hosts for incoming freshmen. In addition to academic immersion in the sciences, the "Discourse" component introduces HUM core expectations and modality, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. Notably, the program features visiting lectures from distinguished professors from STEM disciplines, and insightful panels comprising both undergraduate and graduate students. It aims to instill a sense of community and inspiration among scholars, setting the stage for success as they transition into their college journey and beyond. Once the academic year kicks off, students will stay connected and actively participate with the Phoneix STEM team.
Dates: September 6th through September 21st, 2026. These are 2 weeks prior to orientation week.
Spaces Available: 40
Program Fee: This program, including room and board, is free of charge. You will be able to move into your dorm on the last day of the program, just as the official College Orientation starts. In addition, there is a small stipend of $200 per quarter for participating in the program as a first year student.
Please note that students can only participate in a total of one Pre-Orientation program. Participation in the Phoenix STEM Pre-Orientation Program is via invitation only.
Arrival & Housing: Students should plan to arrive on Sunday afternoon, as the program begins with dinner that evening. Earlier arrival can be arranged on an individual basis if needed. For the first week, Phoenix STEM Scholars will be assigned temporary housing. On Saturday, September 12th, students will move into their permanent housing for the school year. Families need not worry about assisting during move-in, as plenty of help will be available. However, if families still wish to offer assistance, we ask that you leave by lunchtime, since activities for students will continue later that day.
Bedding: For Phoenix STEM Scholars who are flying in, you can request PSTEM Staff to supply sheets, blankets, and a pillow. Communication regarding this will be sent in June.
Single Room Accommodations: Students who need single rooms as an accommodation should start working with Student Disability Services as soon as they are admitted to the program.
FAQs
- Mock biology, mathematics, and chemistry classes taught by University of Chicago professors.
- Discourse sessions.
- A student or faculty panel Q&A.
- Personal development seminars.
- Social activities such as gardening, exploring the city, ice cream night, etc
For inquiries regarding the Phoenix STEM Pre-Orientation, students may contact Zsuzsanna Szaniszlo at phoenixstem@uchicago.edu.
In previous years, our schedule has included the following activities:
In 2026 the program is between September 6-21.
The Phoenix STEM Pre-Orientation program is free of charge, including room and board.
No, getting to campus is your responsibility and its cost is included in your financial package.
During your first year you will receive a stipend of $200 per quarter.
Participation in the Phoenix STEM program is by invitation only.
You may participate in only one Pre-Orientation program.
You will be placed in temporary on campus housing for the first week. The name of the residence hall will be provided in June.
You will move into your permanent residence halls on Saturday of the first week. Program staff will guide you through the process.
Families are welcome to help with your move on Sunday when the program starts. They can also assist briefly on Saturday morning at the end of the first week. However, you will not need extensive family help, and the program activities will continue that afternoon.
If families choose to help with the mid-program move, they should plan to depart by lunchtime on Saturday.
If you are flying to campus you can request that PSTEM staff provide sheets and a pillow.
Information about how to request bedding will be sent in June.
If you require a single room due to an accommodation, you should begin working with Student Disability Services (SDS) as soon as you are admitted to the program.
SDS information and accommodation request procedures can be found here:
[https://disabilities.uchicago.edu ]
You should plan to arrive on Sunday, September 6th between noon-6:00 pm.
The program officially begins with dinner on Sunday evening.
If you need to arrive earlier, individual arrangements can be made with program staff. Please notify us as soon as you know that you have to arrive early, but no later than two weeks in advance of the start of the program.
It might take you 1-2 hours to get from the airport to campus, please factor this into your arrival time.
You should expect to be fully engaged for the duration of the program, including evenings and weekends.
Because of this, you should not plan any outside activities, trips, or commitments during the program.
Families who wish to visit should plan to do so on Monday afternoon and/or Tuesday after the Pre-Orientation program ends and before Orientation begins.