You Matter 2 Discover U
The Discover U: Spring Break College & Career Experience is a week-long, in-state exploration opportunity for high school students that offers local college tours, career site visits, and team-building experiences during their spring break. Designed as an alternative to the biennial out-of-state college tour, this experience provides students with accessible exposure to post-secondary education and career pathways—without requiring overnight travel. Students will engage in hands-on exploration across five days, building insight into their futures and strengthening their decision-making as they approach graduation.
Join us for a Virtual Information Session Monday, December 15th | 6:30 - 7:30 PM Questions? Contact our High School Program Facilitator Brandy Marshall | [email protected] | 708-996-1043 |
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What to Expect
- College Campus Tours: Visit a variety of in-state institutions to get a firsthand look at college life.
- Career Site Visits: Explore workplaces across industries including tech, healthcare, entrepreneurship, finance, media, trades, and more.
- Team-Building & Group Activities: Build connections with peers and mentors through daily debriefs, games, and leadership challenges.
- Final Day of Fun: Wrap up the week with a fun, celebratory group outing!
Requirements to Participate
- Open to current 9th–12th grade students
- Registration fee up to $500 — fundraising support will be available (To be finalized)
- Fee includes transportation, college & career visits, light breakfast, one meal a day, snacks, and t-shirt
- Students must attend two mandatory pre-experience workshops
- Daily drop-off and pick-up--no overnight stay
- A minimum of 15 students must be registered for the experience to take place
- Students must commit to all 5 days of participation
- Complete all required forms and waivers
- Parent/guardian participation in the virtual info session is strongly encouraged
Tentative College & Career Visits
Note: The schedule is still being finalized. Sites may change based on availability.
- Chicago State University
- University of Illinois Chicago
- Purdue University
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Illinois State University
- Dot Foods
- Google Chicago - Fulton Market
- Mielle Organics
- Motorola Solutions
- PepsiCo