Now that the Chicago cohort has established their blog site, we can post the announcement that we actually have a UChicago cohort. Yes, this comes after the horse has left the barn but it’s better late than never.
Because the ILC got word late about the generous financial assistance from UChicago, the application process was put on the fast track.
Even after the nine finalists were announced, they were all asked to proceed with their applications to UChicago so when the interview panelists chose the cohort, the next day the applications could be submitted. Classes were being filled first come first served and the ILC didn’t want to lose out on the choice course assignments.
The essay prompt for this year’s application had the applicants write about their dining experiences in the WCCUSD and to come up with possible solutions to enhance that experience. Their responses were illuminating and the school board and District staff might want to read some of those essays to learn directly from the students what they think about the food they’re serving, the lengthy lines, the dining halls and other aspects of the experience.
As with most interview sessions, the competition was fierce and the interview panelists had a difficult time deciding who would represent West County in Chicago this summer.
As difficult as this task was, a cohort was selected.
As for those applications to UChicago, getting the teacher recommendations submitted in a timely fashion always proves to be a difficult chore and securing graded work products with comments from a teacher were equally difficult. The new ILCers buckled down, though, and got their completed applications submitted within a few days of becoming ILCers.
Even though the ILC provides guidance, mentoring and the finances for the trips, the ILCers still need to apply to, and be accepted by, the schools. Now they wait to hear the news about whether they should start packing their bags.
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