The internationally recognized Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) develops creative, ethical leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. As a teaching and learning laboratory created by the State of Illinois, IMSA enrolls academically talented Illinois students (grades 10-12) in its advanced, residential college preparatory program, and it serves thousands of educators and students in Illinois and beyond through innovative instructional programs that foster imagination and inquiry. IMSA also advances education through research, groundbreaking ventures and strategic partnerships.
Congratulations to the Class of 1990, the class with the
highest participation rate amongst the IMSA classes and the winners of the
Fiscal Year 2010 IMSA Alumni Class Challenge. Way to go ‘90!
The class had 33.93% giving, that’s 57 individuals who made
a contribution to the IMSA Fund between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010. The
next two highest classes were 1996, with a participation rate of 24%, and 1989,
with a participation rate of 23%. The overall participation rate for all alumni
donations was 14%, the same rate as last year but below the goal of 20%.
For a complete list of the class rankings, visit the website
https://www3.imsa.edu/giving/annual/alumni
and click on the picture of the sweatshirt that the alumni donors will receive.
Thanks to everyone for who made a gift. Your support which will
be used by IMSA students, faculty and staff to help create the conditions to
“to ignite and nurture creative, ethical scientific minds that advance the
human condition.” Make your gift to the FY11 Campaign (July 1, 2010 - June
30, 2011) to make sure your class has the highest participation rate this year.
If you make your donation early you won't be solicited by the IMSA Fund for the
rest of the year!
Clearly there is no institution like IMSA in the country, and we are lucky enough to have this outstanding educational opportunity located here in Illinois. IMSA students, who come from all over the state, design and conduct hands-on experiments, make observations, analyze data, draw conclusions and communicate evidence-based principles, all while partnering with cutting-edge scientists on diagnostics, nanotechnology, medical research, and much more. Last year, IMSA students began the Energy Center at IMSA, which included securing solar panels from ComEd and designing and building a portable Energy House.
In addition to the full-time students at IMSA, the institution has spread its work to other parts of the state, include Chicago Public Schools and Belleville, through the introduction of Professional Field Offices. These offices, located in the Doolittle School on 35th and State Street in Chicago and Lindenwood University in Belleville, will conduct outreach programs to students from all grade levels using the IMSA math and science curriculum and lessons.
Private support to public institutions: Why does IMSA need donations?
The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is a selective admissions residential academy for students gifted and talented in mathematics and science. While we are an agency of the State of Illinois, we are publicly assisted, with no more than 75% of our budget coming from state tax dollars-and at about $20 million a year, our budget is considerably smaller than any of our related agencies.
A diversified funding stream is critical to innovation and creativity at IMSA, and allows us to generate programs that benefit all of Illinois, including E2K, which will serve about 1,800 students grades 4 - 8 at 56 schools around the state. In addition, IMSA does extensive professional development with Illinois teachers, helping them become stronger math and science educators. Current field offices include Doolittle Elementary School in Chicago, and Lindenwood University in Belleville.
The public/private partnership, a combination of funding from public dollars, businesses and foundations, participating families and individual donors creates the conditions "to ignite and nurture creative, ethical scientific minds that advance the human condition."
