Illinois Math Science Academy, USA

Connolly, Peggy 
Research Mentorship Director 
Illinois Math Science Academy 
1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506-1000 USA 
connolly@imsa.edu 
Tel: +1-630-907-5985,  
http://www2.imsa.edu 
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITY  

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) is an internationally-recognized pioneering educational institution created by the State of Illinois to develop talent and leadership in mathematics, science and technology. IMSA's advanced residential college preparatory program enrolls 650 academically talented Illinois students in grades 10-12. Nearly 18,000 teachers and 34,000 students in Illinois and beyond have benefited from The Center@IMSA program of professional development and student enrichment. Located in Aurora in the high-tech corridor west of Chicago, IMSA serves the people of Illinois through innovative instructional programs, public and private partnerships, policy counsel, action research, and the leadership and achievements of its graduates. IMSA’s Student Inquiry and Research Programs involves about 225 students each year in mentored research (Mentorship), self-directed inquiry (Student Inquiry), and engineering entrepreneurship (Talent). Mentors and advisors volunteer over 20,000 hours a year, supported by approximately 150 institutions: corporations, museums, science laboratories, universities, government agencies, and other research organizations. Students become active participants in research, increasing in depth and scope their research abilities and experiences, as they become contributing members of the scientific and scholarly community.