Parrhesia Ambassador Program
Course Description
The one-week Parrhesia Ambassador Program aims to introduce pre-college students, who are earlier in their academic journey, to the fundamental principles and practices that prepare students to communicate in a variety of contexts. Rooted in the University of Chicago Principles of Free Expression, the Parrhesia Program offers an innovative curriculum in the theory and practice of public discourse and deliberation. Parrhesia, to speak freely and openly, signifies our commitment to open and vigorous civic deliberation and dialogue.
Course assignments and exercises actively engage students in the rhetorical process of argument construction and presentation preparation and delivery. Selected participants will be tasked with serving as ambassadors and changemakers by sharing the principles of discourse and freedom of expression in their schools and communities.
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 Lindsey Eichelman at leichelman@uchicago.edu.
Course Criteria
Eligibility: Current 9th and 10th grade students who are at least 14 years old are invited to apply.
Academic Interest
Examining Culture and Society, Humanities (e.g, arts, philosophy), 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).