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Since 1926, our school has been a close-knit community of students, faculty, and staff committed to improving lives. See what makes us special.
SESP students, faculty, and alumni spark broad and meaningful change for individuals and systems alike. See how our people are making a difference in SESP and beyond, through their work and service.
At SESP, we partner with the community to maximize the impact of our research findings. These collaborations allow us to test new ideas, develop better practices, and share discoveries to benefit as many people as possible.
The Morton Schapiro Northwestern Academy for Chicago Public Schools enhances access and successful matriculation for academically motivated students. Thanks to the Academy, these talented individuals are on track to attend top-tier colleges and universities. To date, graduates have enrolled in more than 115 institutions, including Northwestern, Harvard, Yale, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
STEAMbassadors trains college-bound 18 to 24-year-olds from under-resourced communities to work with youth in neighborhoods lacking learning opportunities and role models in computer science, engineering, and the arts. They are assigned to local organizations partnering with the Chicago Department of Family Support Services in parks, libraries, and schools to create an out-of-school learning ecosystem across the city.
In 1926, the legendary U.S. Route 66 was established, A. A. Milne published his beloved children's book Winnie-the-Pooh, and Henry Ford implemented a pioneering 40-hour work week at his automobile factory.
An educator, scholar, and engineer, Victoria Concepción Chávez is passionate about accessibility, computer science education, and social justice
Otherie Love (1920–2022) was a trailblazing educator, writer, and historian who was known as a voracious reader and lifelong learner. She made history in 1941 when she became the first African American student teacher in Evanston/Skokie School District 65 while studying at Northwestern University.
Alejandra Frausto Aceves (PhD26) used hands-on, community-involved methods to study how diasporic families engage in sophisticated teaching and learning.
School of Education and Social Policy postdoctoral scholars Karla Thomas and briana rodríguez received 2026 National Academy of Education /Spencer Research Fellowships.
Lara Altman came to SESP after nearly 15 years working at the intersection of education, public health, and social work, leading initiatives focused on improving outcomes for children and families.