CSU Launches Physics Scholarship and Mentorship Program to Strengthen Community

Chicago, IL – CSU is proud to announce the launch of the Strengthening Community in Physics (SCP) initiative—a program designed to support student success through cohort building and a multi-pronged mentoring network. Funded by TEAM-UP Together, this initiative aims to foster a strong sense of belonging and engagement among physics students at CSU.

The SCP program will provide students with structured support as they progress through their academic careers. By redesigning the early stages of the curriculum, students will have the opportunity to enter physics coursework earlier, creating a more seamless transition into the field. Additionally, SCP will establish a robust mentorship network that includes CSU faculty, alumni, and graduate students and faculty from Purdue University.

As part of the program, students will participate in summer activities at both CSU and Purdue University, allowing them to develop peer networks while engaging in professional development opportunities. The mentorship structure is designed to strengthen academic and personal support while fostering leadership among participants.

To further enhance student engagement, SCP will offer scholarships to current and new physics majors who take part in the program’s mentorship and cohort-building activities. Student participation and program effectiveness will be assessed through ongoing journaling which will serve as both a professional development tool and a means of evaluating program impact.

The SCP program builds on CSU’s existing strengths in fostering a supportive academic community. In addition to these efforts, student leadership will be leveraged with opportunities for involvement in clubs, activities, and a student advisory board that will provide direct feedback to project leaders.

For more information about the grant, visit the Project webpage. To learn more about the American Institute of Physics (AIP) and its initiatives, visit

About Chicago State University

Chicago State University, founded in 1867, is the oldest public university in the Chicago Metropolitan area. The University’s four academic colleges offer nearly 60 undergraduate and graduate degree-granting and non-degree programs. CSU is committed to equity in education, serving as the only U.S. Department of Education-designated four-year Predominantly Black Institution in Illinois and ranked by a Harvard economist in the top 4% of public and private universities nationwide in supporting our graduates’ economic mobility. The University serves as a prominent civic space on the greater South Side of Chicago by hosting a multitude of athletic, educational, cultural, and recreational activities. The University is located near public transit that provides convenient access to the campus. For more information, visit here.