Jun 9, 2023
GRAD Partnership Recognizes Kelly College Prep as a Spotlight School
Thomas Kelly College Preparatory High School has been selected as a spotlight school by The GRAD Partnership for its exceptional commitment to student success. Kelly College Prep, a longstanding NCS partner, stands as a great example of a student-centered learning environment that fosters connectivity and empowers students to thrive.
May 17, 2023
Krystal Payne on the 'Make Me Care About' Podcast: Why Ninth Grade Matters Most
(May 17, 2023)—In a recent episode of the Gates Foundation's "Make Me Care About" podcast, Krystal Payne, Co-Executive Director at the UChicago Network for College Success (NCS), sheds light on the pivotal role ninth grade plays in shaping a student's educational and career trajectory. With over 25 years of experience in education, Payne emphasizes that success in ninth grade is the most influential indicator of a student's future academic achievements.
May 15, 2023
Golden Apple Foundation Honors Karen Calloway with Excellence in Leadership Award for Outstanding Contributions to Education
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.
Dec 13, 2019
UChicago Office of Civic Engagement Profile: Dawn Ramos, NCS Partner Principal
Dawn Ramos, long-time NCS partner and principal at Tilden Career Community Academy High School on Chicago’s South Side, was recently highlighted by the University of Chicago Office of Civic Engagement.
Mar 5, 2019
Gates Notes: On The Right Track in Chicago
In a recent blog post, Gates Notes highlights a success story of NCS, North-Grand High School, which serves the Humboldt Park community in Chicago. In 2012, NCS and North-Grand began working together to increase the number of freshmen who finished the year "on-track." At the time, only 76% of North-Grand's freshmen were on-track.
Mar 5, 2019
Chicago Sun Times: Bill Gates lauds academic gains at Chicago high school
Chicago Sun Times recently highlighted Bill Gates' visit to North-Grand High School, where he learned about their freshman intervention program designed to keep students on track for graduation. Gates was impressed by the school's use of evidence-based research to measure and improve performance, including their use of data to bolster student success. He noted that the school's graduation rates have rapidly improved compared to national averages.
Jan 11, 2019
"The Make-or-Break Year," by Emily Krone Phillips details the story of Freshman On-Track in the city of Chicago
On January 11th, 2019, Emily Krone Phillips launched her new book, The Make-or-Break Year, at a book launch at 57th Street Books. The book focuses on how the dropout crisis could be solved if careful monitoring and support was provided to students in their freshman year of high school.
Sep 21, 2017
Education Post: Ninth-Grade GPAs Predict Kids' Futures and Chicago is Raising Them
An EdPost story written by Maureen Kelleher highlights a new report issued by the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research, which sheds light on the importance of ninth-grade GPAs in predicting students' future academic and life outcomes.
Dec 2, 2015
Data Quality Campaign: Giving All Students a Chance at Success in Chicago
The article, "Giving All Students a Chance at Success in Chicago," explores how high school teachers and leaders in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) are using an on-track indicator to support students who are falling behind. This tool uses information on student behavior, attendance, and grades to identify students who may need extra help to stay on track for graduation.
Nov 4, 2012
Chicago Tribune: NCS has graduation focus
A recent Chicago Tribune article highlights the story of Leticia Gelacio, a sophomore at Lake Forest College who is the first in her family to attend college. Thanks to support from the Network for College Success, Leticia was able to navigate the complicated college application process and secure a full-ride scholarship to one of the top liberal arts colleges in the Midwest.