Rise Academy is a first-year experience program that starts in the summer or fall with an introductory five-week college course, support workshops, targeted advising, and continues with holistic student support throughout the academic year.

In the Rise  Academy, you will participate in workshops, build relationships with classmates, explore career options and learn the “ins and outs” of college life.

All incoming full-time freshmen students, including transfer students with less than 24 credit hours, who apply and are admitted to Chicago State University and, complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) are eligible. Students must successfully complete the first 5-weeks of the Rise Academy program over the summer in order to be eligible to receive the tuition scholarship

12 or more credit hours in both the fall and spring semesters.

Rise Academy starts with a 5-week summer course, targeted advising and, continues with holistic student support throughout the academic year.  The summer part of the program runs for 5 weeks from Monday through Friday (daytime courses & workshops). 

Students who successfully complete the Rise Academy program will receive:

• The Rise Scholarship which covers full-tuition and fees for your first-year at CSU after applying all financial aid awards for the 2022-2023 academic year (*).
• Free loan of a university laptop for all four undergraduate years including internet access for the first/freshman year of study at CSU (**).
• Textbook vouchers to eliminate and/or reduce the cost of textbooks.
• Advisors, workshops & resources to guide and support your progress while studying at CSU.

*The Rise Academy scholarship is applied after accounting for other scholarships and aid (such as the Pell grant). This scholarship does not cover room and board expenses. 

First apply for admissions. Once accepted, sign up today for an information session.

You can contact the Rise Academy Academic Advisor, Catherine Smith, with any questions at csmiti06@csu.edu