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DEIJ Programs and Coursework

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice is central to our coursework, student experience, research, and community partnerships. From partnerships with local school districts to scholarship opportunities to certifications, SESP is dedicated to preparing students to study and create social change towards just futures.
female student showing at the whiteboard

Morton Schapiro Northwestern Academy for Chicago Public Schools

The Morton Schapiro Northwestern Academy for Chicago Public Schools is a free, multiyear college access and enrichment program for diverse, academically motivated students. The Schapiro Academy for CPS increases access and successful matriculation of underrepresented Chicago Public Schools students to top-tier colleges and universities by providing personal enrichment, leadership development, college advising, and cultural and civic engagement.

three women smiling

SESP Leadership Institute (SLI)

The SESP Leadership Institute (SLI) is a fall-quarter, two-credit, intensive academic program that runs alongside a student’s other fall coursework. SLI builds a strong sense of intellectual and social community amongst a mixed cohort of first-years, sophomores, and transfer students who identify as first-generation and/or lower-income. The program, administered by SESP, is open to interested and eligible students from any of the undergraduate schools at Northwestern.

a group of people in the classroom

Civic Engagement Certificate

SESP’s Civic Engagement Certificate gives students a deeper understanding of the forces that affect communities and the skills needed to achieve positive change. Over two years of community engagement and classroom learning, students develop tools for a lifetime of involvement with communities.

two female students walking in downtown Chicago

Civic Leadership Institute (CLI)

The Civic Leadership Institute (CLI) provides students a unique opportunity to explore current social and political issues through service-learning experiences, exchanges with community leaders, and academic study.

a group of students and teachers

Coughlin STEM Scholars

The Cathy Coughlin STEM Scholars program provides enrichment and accelerated STEM programming and academic guidance through SESP’s Center for Talent Development. Open to girls from the Chicago area currently in grade 6 who are demonstrating interest and exceptional potential in STEM areas and who have financial need, the scholarship covers the cost of all tuition and fees for programming and is renewable for up to three years.

Shakespeare theater

Northwestern and Chicago Shakespeare Theater Design for Equity

The Chicago Shakespeare Theater partnership with graduate students in SESP’s Master’s in Learning and Organizational Change program to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace for the theater. Learn more about this partnership.