Leading with Students in Mind

As high school educators and district leaders, it is crucial to approach the summer break with intentionality. This period presents a valuable opportunity to focus on personal growth, recharging, and preparing for the upcoming school year. 

By dedicating time to our own development and well-being, we can better serve our students and create transformative learning environments.

Thomas Kelly College Preparatory High School has been selected as a spotlight school by The GRAD Partnership for its exceptional commitment to student success.

The Golden Apple Foundation has awarded Karen Calloway, principal of Kenwood Academy High School in Chicago, with the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership.

Calloway, a longtime partner of the UChicago Network for College Success, was selected as the recipient from over 130 nominations of school leaders in Pre-K-12th grade.

Reflections from the conclusion of the 2022–23 National Freshman Success Institute

Throughout the National Freshman Success Institute (NFSI), the UChicago Network for College Success (NCS) works with administrators, teachers, counselors, and other school staff to build knowledge and skills and shift perspectives that will lead to greater student success, particularly for 9th-graders.

Last month, over 100 participants completed the Institute, culminating in a final in-person convening at the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and

The author of this blog, Kayla Brown, is the Development and Communications Manager with the Network for College Success (NCS). She is responsible for supporting fundraising activities and drafting informational and marketing materials. In her spare time, she enjoys reading historical fiction novels and writing poetry.

My maternal grandfather was a principal serving St. Louis public schools for decades. He was well known for his authoritative persona and passion for Black children succeeding in school.

“Being a part of this community has allowed me to candidly share and exchange ideas and motivated me to be a better education professional that can impact student success.”

This October, participants of the 2022–23 National Freshman Success Institute (NFSI) reconvened, and, over the span of two days, they delved deeper into Freshman Success work by visiting six Chicago high schools within the Network for College Success (NCS) 

Network for College Success (NCS) Celebrates 15+ Years

On September 22, 2022, NCS welcomed Chicago-based partners, schools, supporters, and friends to celebrate the organization’s collective impact over the past 15 years and counting.