Network for College Success at the University of Chicago

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Network for College Success at the University of Chicago

NCS partners with high schools to improve outcomes for all students

The Network for College Success partners with educators, school leaders, and districts to build transformational high school experiences that prepare all students for academic, career, and community-based success after graduation. Our mission is to cultivate postsecondary readiness and success for students by translating research into practice and supporting high school leaders to organize their s

chools for improvement. We operate from a position that views effective high schools as essential to repaying the educational debt (see Gloria Ladson-Billings) owed to Black & Latinx students and communities. NCS began with a small group of Chicago Public high school principals looking to respond to the high school research published by the UChicago Consortium on School Research. Over the past 17 years, we have purposefully expanded our model to deepen our supports for district and school improvement. Through a national network of cross-school learning communities and job-embedded coaching, NCS supports district leaders, principals, teachers, counselors, and staff to:

- Strengthen school leadership
- Build high-functioning teams that drive improvement
- Improve teaching and learning
- Build educators’ collective efficacy
- Support student success in the 9th grade transition
- Prepare students for postsecondary success

06/02/2026

Tomorrow is your last chance to register for the magic that is the National Freshman Success Institute! From collaborative learning to demonstration school visits, NFSI holistically engages participants on Freshman Success work. We hope to see you there!

Register here: https://lnkd.in/gSMjmhGF

05/28/2026

Every pin on the map represents NCS' footprint. Become part of the powerful transformation by registering for NFSI today! Registration closes in one week.

Register here: https://lnkd.in/gSMjmhGF

05/11/2026

NCS is excited to sponsor this event with FAN - Family Action Network this Friday May 15 at 7PM, in-person at Evanston Township High School!

The event will focus on David Epstein's new book -- "Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better." In conversation with Megan Twohey, Epstein will discuss his book about how and when to narrow choices to succeed.

Registration not required, free books available!

05/07/2026

Early Bird Registration for the National Freshman Success Institute ends May 13--next Wednesday!

Join NCS in Chicago for an immersive five days to build a strong foundation in Freshman Success work.

Register here: https://lnkd.in/gSMjmhGF

05/06/2026

A wonderful piece about our founder Melissa Roderick's impactful 35-year career! Read to learn how Professor Roderick turned research from the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research into practice at Chicago Public Schools. Nearly 20 years after beginning as Roderick's project, NCS stands strong with the foundation of her research that success in ninth grade is critical to thriving throughout high school and post-secondary education.

https://news.uchicago.edu/story/how-one-researcher-took-chicagos-school-dropout-crisis?utm_medium=04.30email&utm_source=UChicagoNews&mkt_tok=MjUwLUNRSC05MzYAAAGhfmIq6VTsYad5bKwnd_SgsWIb5SlUxAPIqRISrGApsrzE39Q57RRj3Q0G3tYEM9Ow8rexpFDjZX6YZiSVCLQomWI54Z1EgmQPf46FaxoigX0U2IA

UChicago Prof. Melissa Roderick retires after 35 years of bridging research and policy to keep CPS freshmen on track to graduate

04/29/2026

NCS is excited to sponsor this event with FAN - Family Action Network, which will center on "Backtalker: An American Memoir" by Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw.

Crenshaw will discuss her new book with Beth E. Richie, Ph.D., which details how she became a thought leader in Critical Race Theory and intersectionality. Insights include how she navigates arenas of power and privilege and commits to hope and compassion.

The event will take place in-person at Evanston Township High School next Friday May 8 at 7PM and features a book giveaway! Registration is not required.

04/28/2026

Demo school visits: An integral (& fun) part of the magic of the National Freshman Success Institute.

When you attend NFSI, you'll see freshman success work in action at an NCS partner school; from classroom walkthroughs to protocol simulation and team meeting observation. Swipe to see which schools graciously hosted last year!

And don't forget to register for the Institute here: https://ncs.uchicago.edu/page/national-freshman-success-institute-improving-high-school-graduation-rates

04/21/2026

Don't miss the fourth and final session of the Community of Practice interactive learning series "Unlocking the Power of Data to Drive Student Success."

This Thursday April 23 at 1pm ET, join NCS and the rest of the GRAD Partnership for *Reflect to Refine and Sustain Success* to learn how to evaluate the use and impact of the actions and supports, and decide whether to adopt, adapt, or abandon a strategy.

Register for Thursday here: https://lnkd.in/eP7kFQtm

04/16/2026

See what participants of last year's 9th Grade Transition Workshop had to say about their experience! The session takes place in two short weeks on April 29 from 11AM-2PM CT.

Register today!: https://lnkd.in/gTz2ipDM

04/14/2026

We came. We listened. We shared. But what stories brought us here?

Swipe to get a glimpse into how NCS staff engaged with other improvers at the National Summit on Improvement in Education! First is Senior Transformation Coaches Lauren Musial's and Joyce Randall's session on Adaptive Check-Ins.

Thanks again to the High Tech High Graduate School of Education for hosting such a wonderful convening space.

Address

Chicago, IL

Telephone

+17737023094

Website

http://ncs.uchicago.edu/

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