Free Arts Classes for Local Teens and Young Adults

The University of Chicago's Arts Program, Arts + Public Life, is offering free arts courses for local teens and young adults. The Urban Arts courses are committed to cultivating and sustaining social practices with particular historical significance to Chicago’s urban landscape. The first slate of courses, offered Spring 2015, will feature graffiti, DJing, and photography.

To be eligible, students must be between the ages of 14-25 and live within Chicago city limits. 

For more information, including a link to the application, see: https://arts.uchicago.edu/arts-public-life/arts-education/youth-programs/urban-arts-courses

The deadline for applications in March 15, 2015.

Class and Contest in Nature Photography

Jackson Park Advisory Council will offer a class and contest in nature photography in April. Details are still in process but will include registration, submission of entries using any format from phone to professional camera, with 1st and 2nd place prizes, display in the Nancy Hays Gallery in the Jackson Park fieldhouse, and by the Hyde Park Herald, both print and online editions.

The program will start with an outdoor class, the first class taught by professional nature photographer Spencer Bibbs, who teaches photography and has worked on contract with the Herald.

The first class will be on April 4, 9 am at the Clarence Darrow Bridge, south of the Museum of Science and Industry. Children ages 10 and up are especially welcome to participate.

For more information, contact Louise McCurry at commissioner751@comcast.net.

Careers Conference for High School Students

The Office of Special Programs-College Prep at the University of Chicago has opened registration for the 2015 Careers Conference for High School Students. The conference will take place on May 9th from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM at the University of Chicago, and will feature groups and workshops on engineering, social service, management, college essay writing, and more. Click here to learn more and register.

Nominate Teachers for a Presidential Teaching Award

Do you know an excellent 7th-12th grade teacher in Science or Math? Please consider nominating them for a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). PAEMST is the highest honor given by the United States government for K-12 Mathematics and Science teaching. Awardees will receive a certificate signed by the President, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, and a trip for two to Washington, D.C. Anyone can nominate an inspiring teacher! Just fill out the form here.

Google's Computer Science Summer Institute for Graduating High School Seniors

Google Chicago will host the Computer Science Summer Institute, a three week introduction to computer science for graduating high school seniors. CSSI students will learn directly from Google engineers, get an inside look at some of Google's most exciting technologies, and design their own "app". The Chicago program will run from July 20 to August 7. Find out more and apply here.

The deadline for applications is March 5.

University of Chicago offering $1million for innovative ways to reduce violence

The University of Chicago is looking for new ways to reduce youth violence in Chicago, and it's awarding up to $1 million for the best ideas.

The UChicago Crime Lab announced Tuesday that it is launching a design challenge to fund innovative ideas that can keep Chicago safer. Supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and Get In Chicago, the crime lab will fund projects up to $1 million each.

The design challenge is calling on non-profits who work with students ages 13-18 in communities with high crime rates. The deadline to submit a letter of interest is March 2.

You can find more information here.

http://chicagoinno.streetwise.co/2015/02/04/university-of-chicago-crime-lab-1m-award-to-reduce-chicago-violence/

February 25 CAC meeting to include presentation on Consortium on Chicago School Research study of middle schools

At our February 25 CAC meeting we are looking forward to a presentation by Paul Moore, of the Consortium on Chicago School Research. He will be presenting on middle school indicators of high school success. For a summary of the research, click here.

Our meeting will be held at 6pm in the King Room at Kenwood Academy (5015 S. Blackstone).

See you there!