When Ramla Nizam arrived at UIC in 2024, she planned to study architecture. But after exploring new subjects, she discovered an interest in numbers and data and changed her major to economics.

The transition also brought an unexpected challenge: calculus.

The required course proved difficult, and without passing it, she could not continue toward her degree. Then an email about UIC’s Summer Edge program landed in her inbox.

“I really, really want to do well in school,” says Nizam, now entering her third year.

Launched in 2023 with support from Ascendium Education Group and the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, Summer Edge gives students the opportunity to retake key courses tuition-free while receiving individualized academic support. Participants attend study sessions, work with peer coaches and develop learning strategies that extend beyond a single class. Recent supporters include Richard and Charlene Osborne, longtime patrons of the University of Illinois System whose generosity helps students continue making progress toward their degrees.

“I really, really want to do well in school.”

— Ramla Nizam

For Al Gasca, the biggest lesson from Summer Edge wasn’t chemistry. It was discovering a network of people invested in her success. She came to UIC seeking opportunity, mentorship and community through programs such as CHANCE and L@s GANAS.

When chemistry became a challenge, Gasca thought she might need to retake the course at a community college to save money. Instead, Summer Edge allowed he rto stay at UIC while receiving additional support.

“The classes were pretty small, and you had a bunch of support systems to help you succeed in the class and just understand the material,” she says.

Teaching assistants checked in regularly. Faculty members remained accessible throughout the semester. The extra attention helped Gasca become more comfortable asking questions and seeking support.

“I basically reach out to my professors for anything now,” she says. “It definitely helped me open up.”

The impact extends beyond individual students. According to UIC’s Office for Research on Student Success, between 76% and 83% of students pass a course after retaking it through Summer Edge, and participants are more likely to earn an A, B or C in the next course in the sequence.

“I basically reach out to my professors for anything now. It definitely helped me open up.”

— Al Gasca

By the time many first-year students arrived on campus last fall, Arel Wiggins had already settled in.

Now entering his second year as a neuroscience major, Wiggins spent the summer before college participating in Summer College, where incoming students earn credit, strengthen academic skills and gain an early introduction to university life.

The experience gave him time to explore campus, meet classmates and develop a better understanding of what college would demand before the fall semester officially began.

“UIC is a very diverse campus,” he says. “So I got to speak to a lot of people and got a lot of different perspectives.”

The experience also gave him a clearer understanding of what college-level learning would require.

“I learned how life was at UIC, and how college classes are supposed to work,” he says. “And I think that was very helpful for me going into college.”

By the time the fall semester arrived, Wiggins already understood the rhythms of campus life and felt more prepared to succeed.

“I learned how life was at UIC, and how college classes are supposed to work. And I think that was very helpful for me going into college.”

— Arel Wiggins

Viviana Bahena already knew how she wanted to spend her summer. The challenge was finding a way to make it all fit.

The third-year Integrated Health Sciences student planned to take a biology course, pursue internships and continue giving back to her community. Support from UIC’s Accelerate Your Success (AYS) program helped make those goals possible.

Bahena had already planned to take the biology course to stay ahead in her degree program, but she wasn’t sure she could afford it. Encouraged by Liz Ramirez, interim director of L@s GANAS, she applied for AYS and received financial assistance for summer coursework.

“Through the school year, I’m always looking at financial aid and checking if things are getting processed,” Bahena says.

With summer tuition no longer a concern, she was able to focus on opportunities beyond the classroom. She interned with the volunteer services team at UI Health and with LOS Youth, where she tutored children in reading and math. The experience also deepened her connection to fellow students.

“AYS gave me the opportunity to make friends in a different way,” she says. “You kind of create this close-knit environment with the people around you. It definitely provided support.”

According to the Office for Research on Student Success, AYS participants average six credit hours and a 3.3 GPA. Notably, 98% either return for fall classes or graduate.

For students like Bahena, summer support does more than keep a degree on track. It creates the flexibility to pursue internships, serve their communities and make the most of their time at UIC.

“AYS gave me the opportunity to make friends in a different way,” she says. “You kind of create this close-knit environment with the people around you. It definitely provided support.”

— Viviana Bahena

When the Student Success Initiative is successful, UIC will be able to secure better-paying jobs and long‑term stability and to build a diverse, talented workforce for Chicago and Illinois.

A year ago, Ramla Nizam spent her summer retaking calculus. This fall, she’s back on campus studying economics and looking ahead to a career working with budgets and data, the future she envisioned for herself when she decided to change majors.

Al Gasca found the confidence to ask for help. Arel Wiggins arrived for his first semester already knowing his way around campus. Viviana Bahena balanced coursework with internships and community service.

What they share is a summer that moved them forward.

Programs like Summer Edge, Summer College and Accelerate Your Success exist because alumni, donors and partners believe talented students should have every opportunity to succeed. As a new academic year begins, students are streaming back to campus carrying the lessons, friendships and confidence they gained over the summer. For some, the experience meant getting ahead. For others, it meant getting back on track.

Either way, they’re beginning the semester with something valuable: momentum.

Make a donation to the UIC Chancellor Student Success Fund