Mission
The mission of Elevate College Prep is to provide opportunities for intellectually curious pre-college students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields and careers. Through academically rigorous and culturally enriching programming, Elevate College Prep enhances students’ STEM sense of belonging, interest, and capacity, all within a fun environment in the vibrant city of Chicago.
Above all, Elevate College Prep’s vision is to lead accessible STEM initiatives, serving as a thriving hub of innovation that nurtures thousands of minds and extends our influence far beyond the boundaries of Illinois Tech.
Meet the Team
Scott Tillman
Associate Director of Pre-College Access
stillman@iit.edu
Contact for External Partnerships and a Bronzeville Opportunity Engine Advisory Board Member
Mindy Lemus
Manager of Pre-College Access
mlemus2@iit.edu
Contact for special events and summer programs
Gabrielle Palomo
Coordinator of Pre-College Access
gpalomo@iit.edu
Contact for DevUp Scholars Program and Dual-Enrollment Programs
Community Partners
The Runway 606 initiative—a joint collaboration between Illinois Institute of Technology, City Colleges of Chicago, and Chicago Public Schools—allows students who earn their associates degrees in high school to then apply those credits toward specific STEM master’s degree programs at Illinois Tech. In particular, this collaboration will develop specific pathways to tech fields while cutting the time it can take a student to earn a master’s degree by as much as two years, in addition to providing extensive mentoring and supportive services to those pursuing STEM careers.
A pilot program, which is led by the Elevate College Prep team and began in fall 2023 with 85 students from CPS schools, currently focuses on those wishing to pursue careers in cybersecurity.
After School Matters is a nonprofit organization that provides life-changing after-school and summer program opportunities to nearly 19,000 Chicago high school teens each year. It offers Chicago public high school teens an opportunity to explore and develop their talents, while gaining critical skills for work, college, and beyond.
Founded in 1994, the ACE Mentor Program of America is a free, award-winning, after-school program that is designed to attract high school students into pursuing careers in the architecture, construction, and engineering industries, including skilled trades.