By Townhall Chicago News Staff
Chicago Public Schools on Sunday launched a monthlong recruitment initiative encouraging schools across the district to establish chapters of the National STEM Honor Society, timed to coincide with National STEM Day.
The initiative builds on three years of districtwide STEM efforts and aims to broaden access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics pathways for students in communities across Chicago. There are currently 25 NSTEM chapters operating in CPS schools, according to the district.
“Our students are demonstrating the qualities needed to become innovators, scholars, and leaders,” CPS CEO and Superintendent Dr. Macquline King said in a news release. “Through the National STEM Honor Society, we have an opportunity to recognize their accomplishments, amplify their voices, and create more opportunities for them to lead.”
The National STEM Honor Society recognizes student achievement, fosters leadership and inspires excellence in STEM fields. Schools that establish chapters can use existing clubs, extracurricular activities and competitions as pathways for student recognition and engagement, according to the release.
CPS students are already active in robotics, esports, aviation, health care, medical sciences, engineering, coding and STEM-focused organizations across the district, the release said. The program offers a framework for celebrating those accomplishments while creating additional leadership and mentorship opportunities.
“STEM excellence is already happening in our schools every day, and our students deserve opportunities to have that excellence recognized and celebrated,” CPS Executive Director of STEM Dr. Corey Morrison said in the release. “By connecting students’ existing interests and experiences with opportunities for recognition, mentorship, service, and leadership, we can help them see themselves not only as participants in STEM, but also as the scholars and innovators shaping its future.”
The recruitment month highlights several key opportunities for participating schools: celebrating academic excellence, elevating student leadership, building on existing STEM experiences, strengthening schoolwide STEM culture and supporting school-based leadership, according to the district.
Most schools that establish a chapter through NSTEM have about 25 student members who meet the society’s requirements and also offer some type of STEM programming, either as official STEM schools or through afterschool programs, the release said.
The district’s outreach has expanded over time, focusing on principals, assistant principals and STEM coordinators. The initiative also explores opportunities for advisor compensation through eligible STEM program funding to support educators who establish and sustain chapters.
The launch comes as CPS continues to invest in STEM programming as part of broader workforce-development goals. The district posted an 83.4 percent graduation rate for the Class of 2026, according to a separate October announcement, and has emphasized connections between STEM education and future career pathways in technology and health care.
CPS said the initiative reinforces its commitment to ensuring students have access to opportunities that recognize their achievements, nurture their talents and prepare them for academic and professional pathways in STEM fields.
Schools interested in participating can find more information through the CPS Department of STEM.
