College Pathways
College Pathways inspires high school students to discover their mathematical power through advanced math, STEM career exploration, and a supportive community that empowers underrepresented students to thrive.
This event will feature both a screening of the film "Hunting Yellow Pigs," as well as an opportunity to hear from alumni of Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics (HCSSiM), inspiring students to become involved with high quality mathematics summer programs across the globe and locally in Chicago.
What is college pathways?
Launching in Summer 2025, Math Circles of Chicago College Pathways is for all ninth to twelfth grade students in Chicago to get access to university-level mathematics, explore careers in math education, and connect with other young mathematicians. In particular, we aim to create pathways to higher education and careers in STEM for underrepresented groups.
Challenge yourself with university-level mathematics through Math Circles, Summer Camps, and research projects. Whether you’re just discovering your love for math or are ready for more advanced study, you’ll find opportunities to grow year-round.
Get hands-on experience in STEM and math education. Learn from mentors, work with younger students, and discover the skills needed to succeed in teaching, research, and other math-focused careers.
Distinguished seniors can apply to become MC2 Scholars, earning a $2,000 scholarship, specialized college admissions guidance, and membership in a network of peers, educators, and STEM professionals. Learn more.
Explore a range of Math Circles of Chicago programs designed to help you discover your mathematical power while building belonging, purpose, and direction for college and beyond. All students begin with math enrichment to experience the math circle model, then can dive deeper into pathways focused on math education or math research.
All pathways offer financial incensitves and plenty of great math. The more you participate in math circles, camps, events, research, and national programs, the more opportunities you unlock.
Stipend Policy for 2025-2026Referral Bonuses for 2025-2026
Students with financial need can earn annual stipends of $900+
Students hired to work with expert teachers every Fall, Winter, and Summer
Students with financial need can earn scholarships for tuition and travel to non-MC2 summer math programs
Awards of $2000 to our most engaged seniors to be used toward their post-secondary education
our team
FAQS
MC2 College Pathways is for all high school students with an interest in STEM or education. Like the city of Chicago itself, our program is diverse. Some of our students have been doing math circles since middle school, others are just getting started as high schoolers.
We want you to find your own pathway to mathematical success and confidence through our programming, and we believe we can help all students find opportunities that fit their needs.
You will then set up a 15 minute video call with the High School Program Manager so we can get to know more about you, your math background and your goals so we can best put you on a pathway that works for you.
We are seeking students who meet any (but not necessarily all) of the following descriptions below:
While Chicago Public Schools students are our primary audience, we will consider the applications of students from parochial schools, charter schools, or independent schools in Chicago or the nearby suburbs on a case-by-case basis. Please complete our interest form.
Students who can demonstrate by tax return that they earned less than $70,000 in income OR who attend a high school with ≥ 75% students with economic disadvantage can qualify for stipends for participating in MC2 College Pathways.
Students will need to provide a Zelle-linked email address or phone number to receive any stipends they qualify for.
See our latest stipend policy document for all details.
While we hope you'll participate in College Pathways, no, the interest form is just an opportunity for us to get to know better what kinds of opportunities you're looking for so that we can help support you in finding the best math pathways for you.
