Illinois Tech Elevate College Prep: Psychology

The Psychology summer program is designed for high school students who want a glimpse into how psychology is a science. Learners will get a good idea of what the study of psychology is like at the collegiate level, how it can enhance the learner’s understanding of themselves, and some idea of how it feels to be a therapist.

The Psychology summer program is designed for high school students who want a glimpse into how psychology is a science. Learners will get a good idea of what the study of psychology is like at the collegiate level, how it can enhance the learner’s understanding of themselves, and some idea of how it feels to be a therapist. The week is split into five themes: introduction day; multicultural psychology day; psychology research and technology day; introduction to psychotherapy day; and careers and admissions day. During multicultural day, students will learn about the rich Black cultural history of Illinois Tech’s neighborhood, Bronzeville, and the psychology of gentrification and ways a local organization, BuildBronzeville, combats gentrification by visiting its headquarters, Incubator, as well as Boxville and the community garden. Another day is dedicated to each learner creating and conducting their own research project. Learners also get a chance to roleplay counselor and client on introduction to psychotherapy day. 

Learning Objectives:

• Appreciate the study of psychology as a science (and an art form)
• Learn about:
  • Careers in psychology and applications of psychology to other parts of your life
  • Multicultural and ethical issues in clinical psychology
  • Stigma of mental illness and ways to eliminate it

Example activities:

• An ice cream and gentrification activity 
• A trip to Boxville on 51st Street
• Conducting a psychology study, analyze the results with Jamovi software, and presenting the research findings to class
• Performing counseling micro-skills on a partner
• Psychology career panel: hear from an array of different psychology professionals

Cost:

• Daytime/non-residential: $595; $100 deposit due at time of registration
• Residential (on-campus room and board included): $1,395; $100 deposit due at time of registration

Date and Time: July 10–14, : 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (daytime/non-residential)

Applications are viewed on a rolling basis, and seats in the program are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Location: Mies Campus

Eligibility and Program Requirements: Rising 10th–12th graders (ages 14–17); students must be at least 15 years old to stay on campus