Young Scholars Program

The Young Scholars Program will be in person in the Summer of 2024, the detailed information can be found here.

The University of Chicago's Young Scholars Program offers mathematically talented 7th through 12th graders in the Chicago area an opportunity to explore mathematics that are not generally taught in schools. The program is open to students in the Chicagoland area and surrounding suburbs. Students from outside the area can apply if they have their own lodging and transportation (usually participants from out-of-state will stay with relatives).

The aim of the program is to strengthen the participants' mathematical powers through a deep experience in mathematical thought and effort. Our intention is to broaden and enrich the students' understanding of mathematics rather than to accelerate them through the standard high school curriculum. Students are encouraged to engage in active problem solving and are challenged to broaden their understanding of mathematics.


The Young Scholars Program offers a four-week day-camp that requires an application and is significantly selective. Chicago area students who will be in grades seven through twelve next school year are welcome to apply. We are looking for students who have scored well in school, enjoy participating in math competitions, or simply find mathematics to be an interesting and challenging subject.

During the academic year, the Young Scholars Program collaborates with Math Circles of Chicago. We share the same vision of providing quality instruction and promoting students' appreciation of mathematics. Math Circles of Chicago meet in several locations throughout the Chicago area, one of them being here at the University of Chicago.

YSP is open to students in Chicago, the surrounding suburbs, and Northwest Indiana. Applicants outside this area are welcome to apply, however, parents or guardians are responsible for all lodging, transportation to and from campus, and meals. The University of Chicago does not provide housing for YSP participants.

We are proud to host Math Circles in the University of Chicago's Mathematics Department on Saturday afternoons. The program is free, but does require registration and acceptance. Please explore their website for program information, meeting dates, registration, and much more. MathCirclesOfChicago.org