Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the U.S. Department of the Navy today unveiled a unique partnership that will give over 1,000 CPS students expanded access to STEM opportunities, following President Barack Obama’s call on the nation to invest in the science, technology, engineering and math education that equips our students for the careers of tomorrow. The partnership launches an intensive summer STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program for over 1,000 students in the City's Early College STEM Schools and Chicago’s Rickover Naval Academy, and supports their enrollment in computer science classes at the City Colleges of Chicago so they can earn advanced, college-level credit and training in information technology.

“On Tuesday, President Obama called on the nation to provide our children with the education and skills they need to excel in school and the careers of tomorrow. By partnering with the Department of the Navy, we are taking a huge step towards this goal, deepening our students’ science, technology and math skills and supporting them with real-world, in-demand, and Naval-relevant experiences that open the doors even wider to future career options,” said Mayor Emanuel. “In this school year alone, Chicago has opened five dedicated STEM high schools and made targeted investments that increase our students’ access to computer science and technology courses. Our children’s futures are bright and they deserve the full education that prepares them for success and I want to thank Secretary Ray Mabus for expanding the opportunities available to our students.”

This partnership will help Chicago’s students access the high-quality, high-paying jobs in high-growth fields by providing them with not only the education but also the hands-on experience they need for success. Students in the program will also receive year-round mentorship and enrichment to supplement their learning.

“I am happy to deepen the Navy’s longstanding partnership with the city of Chicago by joining with Mayor Emanuel to promote STEM education,” said Mabus. “We need incredibly skilled, competent and qualified Sailors and Marines who have been prepared through high school to do the complex tasks they are called upon to do every day in our increasingly technical Navy and Marine Corps. We owe it not only to our Navy and Marine Corps but to this country, to provide every possible advantage to our students so they can lead innovation and discovery and have the skills to build a better future for themselves and our nation. This is good for Chicago, good for the Navy and great for the future of America.”

Chicago has prioritized investing in ensuring Chicago’s children get the quality education they need to excel in tomorrow’s economy, from pre-kindergarten through college. This school year, five Early College STEM high schools opened, each with a partner company and partner City College. In December 2011, Mayor Emanuel launched College to Careers at the City Colleges of Chicago, a nationally-recognized initiative that develops current and innovative curriculum and builds real pathways to employment through partnerships with major companies in six in-demand sectors that are growing in the city and across the country. And in 2012, the Mayor announced an expanded partnership between City Colleges of Chicago and the Chicago Public Schools to nearly triple the number of schools that offer dual credit opportunities for students to earn college credit while still in high school.

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