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Learning and Leading with Purpose

Our students, faculty, and community believe in improving lives and transforming society.

SESP students become

We value interdisciplinary training and hands-on experiences.

Join us and explore all you can do.

Programs

Get to Know Us

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Since 1926, our school has been a close-knit community of students, faculty, and staff committed to improving lives for individuals and communities. See what makes us special.

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Ranked Education School, U.S. News & World Report
Faculty members elected to the National Academy of Education
%
Undergraduates employed or completing graduate school or fellowships after graduation
K+
Service hours provided to local communities through the Civic Education Project

Making an Impact

At SESP, we partner with the community, where our research findings can make the greatest difference. These mutually beneficial collaborations let us to test new ideas, develop better practices, and spread discoveries to benefit as many people as possible.

Student walking in Chicago by train

Morton Schapiro Northwestern Academy for Chicago Public Schools

The Morton Schapiro Northwestern Academy for Chicago Public Schools increases access and successful matriculation of underrepresented, academically motivated Chicago Public Schools students. Thanks to the Academy, these talented students are put on a path to attend some of the country’s top-tier colleges and universities. To date, graduates have attended more than 115 different colleges and universities, including Northwestern, Harvard, Yale, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Marcello Worsley working with high school student

Black Kids Predict

Black Kids Predict gets students interested in data science to revamp the pipeline of talent. The  curriculum expands 6th-12th grade kids' idea of data and computer sciences from a geeky desk job they don’t want, to a superpower. Led by college-aged students from diverse backgrounds, the program emphasizes the practical uses of STEM education and learning to see data differently.


 

Nichole Pinkard working with student

STEAMbassadors

STEAMbassadors trains college-bound 18 to 24-year-olds from under resourced communities to work with youngsters whose neighborhoods lack learning opportunities and role models in the fields of computer science, engineering, and the arts. STEAMbassadors are assigned to a neighborhood organization that partners with Chicago Department of Family Support Services programs in parks, libraries, and schools to help build an out-of-school learning ecosystem across the city.

Evanston Township High School Partnership Office

Northwestern-Evanston Township High School (ETHS) Partnership Office

The Northwestern/ETHS Partnership Office is part of the Good Neighbor, Great University Initiative. The Partnership Office work is supported by Neighborhood and Community Relations and the Office of Community Education Partnerships in the School of Education and Social Policy. Northwestern has more than 100 substantial partnerships with Evanston Township High School. The relationship between the two communities spans disciplines and boundaries, crossing into academics, athletics, health and wellness, identity and social consciousness, college and career education, cultural events, mentoring, arts, and community engagement.

News and Events

Daphne Chen

Olympians Head to Paris

July 24, 2024 11:15 AM

The 2024 Olympic Games begin Friday, July 26, followed by the Paralympic Games on Aug. 28. Of the 13 athletes and two coaches affiliated with Northwestern University, four have a connection with the School of Education and Social Policy.

McCann To Receive Alumni Medal

July 22, 2024 6:22 PM

Alumna Renetta McCann, a global leader in advertising, media, and organizational change, will receive the alumni medal, Northwestern University’s Alumni Association’s highest honor.

Scholar Athletes Set School Record

July 18, 2024 2:26 PM

Thirty-seven student athletes from Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy earned Big Ten Distinguished Scholar recognition in 2023-24, setting a new School record.

New PhDs toasting

Doctoral Robing: A New SESP Tradition

July 11, 2024 2:00 PM

Seven new PhDs were gifted regalia and honored during a special robing ceremony prior to the 2024 convocation celebration as part of a new School of Education and Social Policy tradition.

Events

Jul
29
2024

Computational Making, Inquiry and Social Justice (Registration is Closed)

10:00 AM Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive
Instructor: Paula Hooper Presented by The SESP Teaching, Learning, & Education Program  Monday, July 29th | 10 AM-4 PM |...
Aug
1
2024

STEAMbassadors Summer Showcase and MAPScorps Research Symposium

All day , Dusable Black History Museum, 740 E. 56th Pl
STEAMbassadors are specially trained mentors from partnering two-and four-year institutions who facilitate camps, progra...
Oct
14
2024

ConnectEd Conference

All day Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive
ConnectEd is a conference dedicated to fostering collaboration, innovation, and professional growth among educators at N...