Emerging Rural Leaders 11th
Course Description
Thanks to the generous support of Trott Family Philanthropies, the College is excited to host the Emerging Rural Leaders 11th program for high achieving students who attend rural and small-town high schools across the United States. Top juniors from rural and small-town high schools are invited to apply for an opportunity to participate in a week-long enrichment program featuring interdisciplinary classes with leading faculty, tours of UChicago’s cutting-edge research facilities, and college application workshops. Students will also be exposed to the kinds of opportunities available in a large urban center for academic work and professional development through activities that showcase the city of Chicago.
The program will be hosted on-campus, and program participants must reside in campus housing for the duration of the program.
Program Contact: All questions should be directed to Allison White at allisonwhite@uchicago.edu.
Course Criteria
Eligibility: Current 11th grade students, who are least 15 years old and who attend a rural or small-town high school* within the United States, are invited to apply.
*Rural and small town high schools: We use data from the US Census Bureau and the National Center for Education Statistics to help us determine which schools are considered rural or small town high schools in the United States. Most rural areas have populations of less than 50,000 residents and are located several miles outside of an urban or suburban area. If you are unsure whether your high school would be considered rural or small town, please contact Allison White at allisonwhite@uchicago.edu.
Academic Interest
College Preview
Application Materials
A complete application includes a transcript, two short essays, a letter of recommendation, writing sample, application fee, and a submitted parent confirmation. If you are seeking need-based financial aid, you must indicate that in your application before it is submitted. Please refer to the Application Instructions for complete details. Applicants to 1 Week Enrichment may have a counselor or teacher submit a nomination in addition to the required letter of recommendation.
Additional Materials:Applicants will be asked to respond to the following essay questions in the application:
Why did you choose the particular program/courses for which you have applied? How are they related to your current interests and future plans? Please be as specific as possible, and make sure your response covers each of the courses you elected. (Limit: 500 words)
"Since its founding, the University has been committed to the idea that a culture of rigorous inquiry requires an environment where diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas inform and stimulate intellectual exchange, challenge, and engagement.” -UChicago Office of the Provost. How would you contribute to this culture of inquiry in this program? What do you hope to gain or learn by engaging with peers from all over the U.S. or from different parts of the world? (Limit: 300 words)
Review the Application Instructions for more detailed information.
Cost
$2,500
Significant financial support is available for these programs, and any student can apply for aid. In addition, students applying only to 1 Week Enrichment programs, and whose household income is $120,000 or below, are eligible for the following financial support, as available:
- Household income at or below $120,000 USD: Program fee is waived (e.g., no cost to the student, exclusive of travel expenses).
- Household income at or below $65,000 USD: Program fee is waived + domestic roundtrip travel expenses covered (e.g., no cost to the student, inclusive of travel expenses for domestic students).