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 two key objectives:
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Foster a positive and inclusive STEM community where first‑generation and Odyssey scholars feel supported, connected, and empowered to thrive academically and socially.
- Facilitate the transition to the University of Chicago by modeling the expected academic rigor and the challenges and rewards of student life.
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 comprehensive lectures and corresponding problem sets spanning disciplines such as Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science and Writing. The program supports both individual and collaborative learning experiences. Participants tour science labs that may serve as hosts for undergraduate student researchers. The program also features visiting lectures from distinguished professors from STEM disciplines, and insightful panels comprising both undergraduate students and university staff. Participants have the opportunity to visit with departmental representatives to learn about different degree programs, and to meet representatives of different offices to learn about student support services the university offers. Social activities are designed and facilitated by interns who are active members of the Phoenix STEM community of scholars.
Once the academic year begins, scholars will stay connected and actively engage with the Phoenix STEM team and community through individual and cohort meetings, and they will participate in the Phoenix STEM Peer Mentor Program. From their second year on, scholars will have opportunities to take on leadership roles within Phoenix STEM. 2025 Program