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College pathways

What is MC2 College Pathways?

Launching in Summer 2025, Math Circles of Chicago College Pathways is for all ninth to twelfth grade students in Chicago to get access to university-level mathematics, explore careers in math education, and connect with other young mathematicians. In particular, we aim to create pathways to higher education and careers in STEM for underrepresented groups.

College Pathways gives students opportunities to build a resume of math experiences that will improve their outcomes in college admissions and build their sense of achievement and belonging in math . Our programming is tuition-free for all, and qualifying students can receive scholarships for participating.

Who is MC2 College Pathways For?

  • You've done math circles in middle school and want to continue and be connected to more opportunities.
  • You have a strong interest in math and you have a financial need. Our scholarships prioritize students with demonstrated need.
  • You're new to math circles but you've realized in high school that you really want to go into math related fields, and you want to participate in a program that will help you get a leg up as you work to pursue STEM in college.
  • You care about younger children in your community and you'd like to support their math learning
  • You want to be a math teacher or explore career pathways in STEM

What are the Benefits of MC2 College Pathways?

Qualifying students can earn need-based scholarships. MC2 tracks student engagement with our programming using a points-based rubric. These awards are cumulative and students who rigorously engage In these programs can build a strong college resume and earn financial scholarship rewards.


  • Be prepared for advanced mathematics that will prepare you for college and STEM careers
  • Build a community of other math enthusiasts with counseling and support
  • Math Circles and QED participants can earn minimum scholarship of $200.
  • Summer Math Program participants can earn a scholarship of at least $250 (Chicago-based camps) or up to $750 (camps based outside of Chicago)
  • High School Assistants can earn around $650 for a Fall or Winter term, and $1800 for assisting in our summer math camps for middle schoolers.
  • MC2 Scholars earn a $2000 scholarship upon graduation from high school In addition to the counseling, support, and community they build with their cohort.


Timeline & Next Steps

  • Winter: Enroll in winter math circles & complete the interest form
  • Early Spring: Formal applications to MC2 College Pathways, High School Assistants, and MC2 Scholars
  • Late Spring: Announcement of first college pathways students

Math Circles

MC2 runs high school math circles at our hubs and some after school programs aimed at students currently enrolled in Algebra 1 or Geometry (Cantor), or in Algebra 2 and beyond (Kovalevsky & Euler). Registration is now open!

Summer Camps

With the first cohort of students recruited for Summer 2025, college pathways students can work as assistants in middle school math camps or enroll in their own Half-Day  summer math camp programming is offered for high school students on a variety of topics. Get really deep into problem solving this July!

QED

Students work on original STEM research in the Fall and present their projects in December. Student papers and presentations are read and evaluated by Chicago mathematicians and STEM professionals. You can learn more about QED here!

High School Assistants

High School Assistants are paid for preparing lessons, assisting in middle school math circles, and for reflecting and growing their teaching practice with education professionals. The HSA program is particularly designed for students with an interest in pursuing education as a profession. Teachers mentor students every step of the way to develop math teaching skills, assist student research, and serve as ambassadors and liaisons between elementary school math circles and MC2 HS.

MC2 Scholars

MC2 Scholars are among our most distinguished students who are ready to take the next step into advanced math spaces. All MC2 Scholars are required to attend a summer math camp either locally in Chicago or with a partner organization in the Summer Mathematics Program Consortium. MC2 supports these students and their families with the admissions process, financial aid, and other practical logistics.

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