Urban Schools Initiative
Students from the Chicago Public Schools participated in the first-ever Urban Schools Initiative supported Science Olympiad Regional Tournament in April 2008.
In 2006, the Science Olympiad Executive Board determined that increasing minority participation in Science Olympiad was the number one goal of the organization. With a generous grant from the Abbott Fund, the Urban Schools Initiative supported six Chicago Public High Schools in 2007, providing each team with membership, materials and extensive training workshops for each of the school coaches. Near the end of the school year, the six teams competed against each other in a small, 12-event Science Olympiad Regional Competition, allowing them to advance to the state tournament from a level playing field. This protected environment gave the teams the confidence to explore Science Olympiad events for the first time and empowered them to plan for the next year of competition.
Chicago Public Schools Science Olympiad Urban Schools Initiative 2008-2009
With a tremendously successful year under our belts, we set out to expand the Urban Schools Initiative in our pilot city of Chicago, and gained new partners along the way. In 2008, Science Chicago funded the team memberships, materials and workshop fees for 17 Chicago Public Schools. The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Foundation provided a mentor matching program, allowing business members from the community to lend their expertise to CPS students and teachers throughout the year. Wright College again hosted the Regional Competition in April 2009, and The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign rolled out the red carpet for the top two middle and high school teams from each division, providing a two-day, expenses-paid trip from Chicago downstate for a VIP recruiting tour and berths at the Science Olympiad State Tournament.
Click here to read the 2008-2009 Evaluation Report completed by the University of Illinois' ISTEM Department (PDF)
Click here for a Photo Gallery from the 2009 Illinois Science Olympiad State Tournament at U of I
Chicago Sun-Times Article about Crane Tech High School science teacher and Science Olympiad coach, Cody Thompson (PDF)
Now, Hawaii, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Minnesota and Florida are utilizing the Science Olympiad Urban Schools Initiative model to bring more teams from the inner city to the program. Regional and state Science Olympiad organizations have applied to local businesses and foundations to seek grants, and for about $1,000 per team, schools with minority enrollment can experience the joys of academic competition, while coaches receive in-depth training that will assist them in and out of the classroom.
For more information on how to use the Science Olympiad Urban Schools Initiative model in your area, email jrkopach@soinc.org or call Jenny Kopach at (630) 792-1251.
About Science Chicago
More than 100 public and private institutions have come together to present Science Chicago, the world's largest science celebration. Designed to awaken the inner scientist in each and every one of us, thousands of dynamic and interactive activities will provide hands-on learning; spur thoughtful debate; enhance classroom learning; and build enthusiasm for the pursuit of cutting-edge science while establishing the critical value of science and math education. For more information, visit www.sciencechicago.com.