Chicago Difference DEF workshop for incoming college students at Illinois Tech

In June of 2024, DEF worked with Tia and Greg from Above All Things Dream Foundation to work with over 80 incoming college freshmen through the Chicago Difference program at the Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) in a two-day orientation structured around Decision Skills. Chicago Difference advances diversity in STEM by supporting underrepresented students across Chicago. 

Over the course of two days, students had the opportunity to learn valuable Decision Skills that will support them as they navigate newfound independence and responsibility in college. 

Though DEF has focused primarily on high school students in the past, this event stretched DEF, extending our range to students in higher education. It proved that our materials are scalable for a large group of students and applicable and relatable to young adults as well. The workshop received positive feedback, and students walked away feeling more confident in their abilities to make decisions that are right for them.

The successful workshop led to an on-going conversation with Illinois Tech about integrating Decision Quality more broadly within their programs. More recently, Illinois Tech has established a Center for Decision Quality to integrate Decision Quality across the organization.

“The Center for Decision Quality at Illinois Tech is a pioneering initiative dedicated to equipping students, faculty, and industry leaders with the tools and methodologies needed to make high-quality decisions in an increasingly complex world”

Read more about the Center for Decision Quality at Illinois Tech!