Northeastern Illinois University’s Center for College Access and Success

Repost from: Zion Leadership Group Aaron Cortes Minor

Safe travels to our STEAM mentors and staff.

This week, one of our most anticipated Global Leadership Experiences begins. China is more than a destination, it's an opportunity to challenge perspectives, build meaningful global connections, and develop the kind of leadership that can only be shaped through real world experiences. From leadership development and university engagement to cultural immersion, innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration, this experience reflects everything Zion Leadership Group is about, preparing students to lead with confidence in an increasingly interconnected world. Over the next several days, our scholars will explore Beijing, Huangshan, and Shanghai alongside an incredible team of educators and leaders, creating memories, friendships, and lessons that will stay with them long after they return home. We're excited to begin this journey and can't wait to share it with you. China, here we come. 🇨🇳🌏

Repost from: Aaron Cortes Minor Zion Leadership Group

Tomorrow, we kick off another incredible National STEAM Academy in Chicago. Over the next five days, students will go far beyond the classroom as they design, build, and test underwater remotely operated vehicles, explore one of the nation's leading universities, connect with STEAM professionals, and experience one of America's most iconic cities. Through hands on learning, teamwork, innovation, and real world problem solving, they'll strengthen the skills that prepare them for higher education and future careers in STEAM. A special thank you to Dr. Aaron Cortes, Northeastern Illinois University, Sonoma State University, TRIO, and all of our partners for making this experience possible. Chicago, we're ready. See you tomorrow.

Done with our final art workshop for our Summer STEAM Academy. This activity was based on the movie "Grave for the Fireflies"

Repost from Aaron Cortes Minor

What if the road didn’t have to be so hard? A person’s opportunities and access are so often determined by their environment. Many times, I have looked back at my high school years and asked myself: What would have happened if I’d had the support systems to help me grow academically and personally? I am certain my path would have looked different, and the journey wouldn’t have been such an uphill climb. But instead of dwelling on what wasn’t there, I made a commitment. Now that I have the resources and platform as an adult, I will do everything in my power to ensure our community’s youth have the opportunities and access they deserve. At NEIU STEAM Pathways, we chose to dream bigger. We transformed our work from simply meeting objectives and securing refunding to building a robust system of opportunities and experiences that far exceed any funding mandate. By aligning our mission directly with our institution’s strategic plan, we are creating sustainable, life-altering pathways for our students. This vision has allowed us to support and fund short-term study abroad immersions at absolutely no cost to our high school and college students. Today, I am incredibly proud to share the documentary of our 4th Global STEAM Leadership Academy in Barranquilla Colombia! Every student who has walked through our doors can attest to the transformational experiences we provide. We don’t just offer the essential academic and college-prep services of TRIO Upward Bound, 21st CCLC, and CREAR Futuros—we provide life-changing horizons, like stepping onto an airplane and exploring the world. Watch our journey here: STEAM Global Leadership Academy Barranquilla Colombia 2026 Shout out to Castle light for the production of this video and all of the partners that have supported this initiative throughout the years. Special thanks to @i IEDT Evelyn Abuchaibe de Daes school for hosting the academy and to @fundaciontecnoglass for supporting the project. @cassellio @castlelightproductions @ing.maryaragon @f2b09 @karenabudi @neiulife @neiuccas @iedevelynabuchaibededaes #STEAM #GlobalLeadership #NEIU #StudyAbroad #TRIOWorks

Today we conducted our fourth Art workshop for our STEAM Summer Academy. Today's workshop was inspired by the movie "Moonlight"

Done with today's art session for our STEAM Summer Academy. This activity was based on the movie "Dead Poets Society"

On Saturday, we celebrate the spirit of freedom, unity, and hope. May this Independence Day inspire us to appreciate the opportunities we share and the people who make life meaningful. Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸

Today we had our second Art workshop for our STEAM Summer Academy. This Heart-Shaped card was inspired by the movie "Under the same moon| La misma luna"

Materials ready for our second Art workshop during our STEAM Summer Academy. This activity is based on the movie "Under the Same Moon"

Repost from: Aaron Cortes Minor Zion Leadership Group

The National STEAM Academy taking place in Chicago this week.

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Our National STEAM Academy is officially underway, bringing students together for an immersive experience. Throughout this week, students will explore underwater robotics, experience hands on STEM challenges, tour Northeastern Illinois University, discover the culture of Chicago and earn valuable STEM knowledge all while building the skills, confidence, and connections that will shape their future.

We can't wait to share this journey with you. Follow along this week as we showcase the moments, and leaders emerging from Chicago.