“Convening with CMSA students at NEIU felt great. It felt like I was back in CMSA for a moment. I had a great time catching up with them and we shared exciting stories from back in high school, as well as new ones we are creating at NEIU.” 
Shahista Khatoon, NEIU College Liaison



 

The meet-up went really well. Zuneera Shahid, Jasmeen Khan, Musharrat Islam, and Aubrielle Delos Reyes reserved seats for the meet-up. Some of us were meeting for the first time and we all introduced ourselves and what our majors were. We discussed about the first weeks of college, our challenges, and recommended some courses to one another. I discussed my work study job and explained what it was and how to go about getting it. So far everyone is adjusting well and we are all ready for finals week! Hope to see all friends at the next meet-up! 

Marcela Mendoza, UIC College Liaison.

The meet-up was great. We talked about how our semester was going. We were able to relax and talk about our plans and goals. We got to know each other on a more personal level, discussing work, family, and the struggles. It was fun and comforting to know how we aren’t alone on campus. It is so great to have friends to depend on and to ask for advice or support. 
Learn more about our College Liaison, Marcela Mendoza and programs/activities at Loyola University here.

On Tuesday the 6th of December, the CMSA alumni at UIUC gathered together to have a holiday dinner before break. We all took a break from finals to relax, catch up, and talk about how we are all doing. Everyone had a great time reconnecting and enjoying some great food! We can't wait to start the next semester together and plan future events. - Jennifer Jasso, College Liaison

On November 18, 2016, UIC College Liaison, Raolat Odeyale, hosted a small Meet & Greet session for the CMSA alumni students.  In attendance were a total of 9 students. Many of the alumni’s from the class of 2013-2016 were excited to see each other and also reconnect on various activities happening at CMSA. The discussion varied from fun memories and academic accomplishment while they were at CMSA.  The Meet & Greet also highlighted academic advice from the graduating seniors for the current freshmen's on way to study and improve their GPA starting at the beginning of the semester. We also talked about Concept Alumni’s programs students could participate in, which majorities of them were interested.  The event proves to have been a great success. Thanks to everyone who were able to make it. We hope to see many more alumni in our next hangout.

If you have any questions, please connect Raolat Odeyale, UIC College Liaison @ rodeya2@uic.edu.

CMSA Alumni who now attend Loyola University Chicago had a chance to gather and meet their fellow  classmates from CMSA. Not everyone knew each other so well, but that didn’t stop students from developing a camaraderie. This meet up was a chance for high school alumni to get to know the university a lot better, what programs/services it has to offer, and overall establish friendships and connections that they can depend on in the future. Students especially were able to learn more about the Writing Center at Loyola when it came to learning how to make an appointment, what to bring, and what to expect from the session. In the end, the meet-up went well and everyone was able to comfortably talk about their concerns, offer advice, and discuss personal stories about their college life thus far.
 

The Mentorship Program CAMP pairs successful community leaders and business professionals with college students in related fields to provide valuable mentorship, job shadowing, and internship opportunities throughout their college careers. Students receive a small scholarship each semester that they participate.

Having accomplished professionals as mentors would be an invaluable experience for our students as they work their ways through college/university. The time commitment is minimal, but the impact on mentees is great. For more information, take a look at our CAMP Mentor Presentation here and the CAMP Registration Video Tutorial here.

BECOME A MENTOR/MENTEE

BECOME A SPONSOR (We are a 501c3 not-for-profit organization)

For questions contact us @ alumni@conceptschools.org, 847-824-3380 ext: 238 or 274.

Chicago Bears Safety #29 Harold Jones-Quartey, 2010 graduate of Horizon Science Academy Columbus came to sign footballs for the silent auction and to spread his message about how hard work and believing in your dreams against all odds pays off. Recalling how his parents enrolled him in HSA Columbus so he and how his coach, Mr. Thomas Edwards was instrumental in finding a football league where he could thrive, he spoke of the importance of perseverance: “It doesn't matter where you from . . . but it's up to you and hard work! With your family, you can make things happen.”

Chicago Math and Science Academy - CMSA alumni and teachers had a blast taking pictures with Harold and talking and dancing the night away.

WATCH VIDEO

It was a great opportunity for CMSA Alumni to come together and for their CMSA and Alumni families to get to hear how they are doing in their post-high school lives and college.
                                       
 All in attendance gave thanks for the good food, good friends, caring teachers, and a lot of fond memories that were made at CMSA.

The Concept Alumni Network would like to congratulate yet another member of the Concept family on a great accomplishment. 


Saleem Khan, alumnus of Chicago Math & Science Academy (CMSA), Class of 2015, was accepted into the top-performing ensemble at the University of Illinois at Chicago.


Last year CMSA student Ms. Damilola Oyedokun laid the foundation of college music auditions with her acceptance into UIC’s top ensemble as well. 


We wish them both the very best in their academic endeavors, and thank you to CMSA and its wonderful Band program for preparing our students to take giant steps in their college careers.