High School Assistant Application Deadline
Apply to be a High School Assistant by September 6!
Old Town, Hyde Park, Back of the Yards, Austin, North Center, Rogers Park
Education Pathway Students
College Pathways
Your Future in Math Starts Here
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.
Students in grades 9-12
Events throughout the year
What is college pathways?
Opening Doors to Higher-Level Math and STEM Careers
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.
Advanced Learning Opportunities
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.
Career Exploration & Mentorship
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.
Scholarships & Recognition
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.
Choose Your Path
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.
Enrichment
Join Cantor or Kovalevsky math circles during the school year, or take multi-week summer courses in advanced topics taught by leading professors. Participate in local and national math camps, connect with peers, and explore STEM careers. Build skills year-round with a strong focus on summer opportunities and original research through QED, Chicago’s Youth Math Symposium.
Education
For students 16+, the High School Assistant program offers paid teaching experience in middle school math circles. Learn from experienced educators, develop leadership skills, and mentor younger students. Positions begin in summer and often continue into the school year; applications accepted March–May.
Research
Work with a graduate student mentor to create and present an original math research project at QED, our annual December symposium. Students are encouraged to apply to national summer math programs to deepen their experience.
Stipends & Scholarships
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.
Need-Based Stipends
Students with financial need can earn annual stipends of $150+
Paid Teaching Assistant Jobs
Students hired to work with expert teachers every Fall, Winter, and Summer
Scholarships for Camps
Students with financial need can earn scholarships for tuition and travel to non-MC2 summer math programs
MC2 Scholarships
Awards of $2000 to our most engaged seniors to be used toward their post-secondary education
"Growing up I always wanted to be a teacher. Being an HSA (High-School Assistant) gave me a sense of what it’s like, and I realized it’s a really challenging job. It’s something I wrote about on my extracurricular resume for college applications."
Jocelyn Suastegui
Former High School Assistant, Class of 2029, University of Wisconsin
Upcoming College Pathways Events
College Pathways
Apply by September 6
our team
Meet our College Pathways Coordinators
Graham Rosby
High School Program Manager
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FAQS
College Pathways FAQs
Who is the College Pathways program for?
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.
How do I get started?
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.
Who can apply?
We are seeking students who meet any (but not necessarily all) of the following descriptions below:
- Rising 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade students
- Students who are intellectually curious and seeking opportunities to grow their mathematical abilities
- Students who are looking for opportunities to grow their teaching skills
- Students looking to build a resume of extracurricular STEM experiences for college or post-secondary careers
- Students from neighborhoods and who have been historically underserved by STEM education.
Can I apply if I'm not in CPS?
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.
Who qualifies for stipends?
Students who can demonstrate by tax return that they earned less than $75,000 in income OR who attend a high school with ≥ 75% students with economic disadvantage can qualify for stipends for participating in MC2 College Pathways.
Stipends and scholarships earned will be paid to students by May 31 of each academic year they participate in College Pathways.
Students will need to provide a Zelle-linked email address or phone number to receive any stipends they qualify for.
Is the interest form a commitment?
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.
