Education Commons^™

Imsa360: Summer 2011, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

Just prior to becoming IMSA’s second President in 2007, I served on IMSA’s Strategic Planning Team. The plan we developed was big and bold, and when first presented, there was some concern that it would collapse under its own size. However, we dreamed big and intended to demonstrate that we could, to paraphrase Walt Disney, both dream it and do it! In my first year as President, I was determined that our plan would become a dynamic, actionable document that would make an enduring difference. Four years later, I am proud to say that due in large part to the …

Imsa360: Spring 2011, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

When I speak to parents, students, educators and legislators about the concept of “career readiness,” I emphasize that IMSA is preparing learners for careers that do not yet exist. Through learning experiences based on imagination and inquiry, IMSA students, whether enrolled in our residential program or in our statewide enrichment programs, learn to pursue compelling questions of interest, work collaboratively, conduct investigations and communicate findings. In the words of our Standards of Significant Learning, students learn to “think about thinking,” “extend and integrate thought,” and “construct questions which further understanding, forge connections and deepen meaning.” In short, they learn how …

Imsa360: Winter 2011, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

In this issue of IMSA360, which doubles as the IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education’s 2011 annual report, we chronicle a journey none of us wanted but many of us now embrace. The tentacles of our ALS story and attention to “orphan diseases” stretch far and wide, supported by our donors, driven by our students, staff and community partners, and inspired by our Principal and Vice President for Academic Programs Dr. Eric McLaren. His story – our story – calls us to advance the human condition through education, research, advocacy and action. While we cannot dial back the clock and …

Imsa360: Summer 2010, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

IMSA’s 22nd class graduated in June 2010. Members of this class will always be special to me because we began our IMSA journey together in 2007 with a mixture of exhilaration and trepidation, pride and panic, hope and humility. We knew that we were privileged to join this innovative community, a distinguished international leader and exemplar in mathematics and science education. From day one, we understood that the words of the mission statement about “advancing the human condition” were meant for us, and we all had the formidable responsibility to make a tangible difference to our colleagues, friends and to …

Imsa360: Spring 2010, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

IMSA’s mission is to “ignite and nurture creative, ethical scientifi c minds that advance the human condition.” That’s a tall order, and we don’t apologize for that! Many of society’s challenges in this century will be addressed by leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). IMSA strives to develop leaders who will use their talents in STEM to work collaboratively to make positive social impacts.

At IMSA, we create conditions that enable students to develop and demonstrate their leadership skills. This issue highlights the many opportunities students have to expand their leadership capacities through advocacy, service, entrepreneurial ventures and …

Imsa360: Winter 2010, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

Thanks to our visionary partners and supporters, IMSA is pushing the boundaries of education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Their resources have had a powerful impact on campus and also have expanded our capacity to design and deliver innovative STEM programs to educators and students in Illinois and beyond.

In this issue, you will learn how IMSA and the IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education, our 501(c)(3) not-for-profit entity, work with educational, business and entrepreneurial partners to re-imagine innovative models for STEM education. For example, corporate support for IMSA’s Energy Center is enabling a project that involves IMSA …

Imsa360: Summer 2009, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

Many will measure IMSA’s work to “ignite and nurture creative, ethical scientific minds that advance the human condition” by the contributions of our alumni. I am proud to say that we pass that rigorous test with flying colors. Sixty percent of our alumni earn undergraduate degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) compared to the national average of 33 percent. As undergraduate and graduate students, they attend the most highly selective colleges and universities in the nation, earning numerous academic, research and leadership accolades including Fulbright, Marshall, National Science Foundation, Rhodes, Truman and Siebel Scholarships. Throughout their careers, alumni …

Imsa360: Spring 2009, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

As a teaching and learning laboratory for imagination and inquiry, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy enables students to pursue their own compelling questions and identify and solve real-world problems. In these pursuits, they learn to collaborate with each other and the best minds around the globe. This process fosters integrative learning and enhances critical thinking, creativity, problem solving and teamwork.

Our feature stories in this issue of IMSA360 take you on an amazing journey that demonstrates how IMSA students turn their passions, talents and knowledge into action. Under the guidance of inspiring faculty, staff and world experts, students have …

Imsa360: Winter 2009, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

In just over two decades, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) has become one of the premier institutions of its kind in our state, nation and world. I can proudly say that Intel, a global leader in science and technology innovation, endorses this assertion by naming IMSA the nationwide winner of Intel’s Schools of Distinction Star Innovator Award. This award is presented annually to only one educational institution that has “a comprehensive program incorporating innovative and effective use of technology, engaging parents and the community in students’ education, fostering development and teamwork and delivering achievement of high academic standards.” …

Imsa360: Summer 2008, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

Often when I speak to parents, students and educators, I share one of my core beliefs: there is no ceiling on human potential. Though perhaps a bit overstated, as I fully realize my limited singing ability elicits monumental groans and sends animals scurrying for cover, it is true that often when we think an individual has reached his or her “potential,” we are astounded by a new accomplishment. As I look back on my first year as IMSA’s second president, I am humbled and amazed by IMSA’s truly unlimited potential for advancing the human condition and living into our aspiration …

Imsa360: April 2008, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

Message From the President

As a long-time educator in Illinois, I have admired IMSA’s role as an international leader in developing talent and leadership in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). I am honored and privileged to now serve as IMSA’s second president.

This first year, I have been meeting with educational leaders and policy makers across Illinois as well as IMSA students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni and donors to solicit ideas and determine our critical needs. From these conversations, I am convinced that IMSA’s service to students, teachers and schools is more relevant and important than ever. The challenges …

Imsa360: Winter 2008, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

This issue of IMSA360 addresses an important theme – IMSA and its networks and partners are making an enduring impact on education. By bringing together the best minds from all walks of life and by combining our resources, we accelerate the delivery of innovative programs that make a difference in the lives of students and teachers throughout Illinois and beyond.

In this issue, you will learn how IMSA and the IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education, our 501(c)(3) not-for-profit entity, work with educational, business, government and entrepreneurial partners to develop, test and share innovative ways to enhance teacher skills and …

Annual Report 2006-2007, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

What Is the IMSA Fund?

The IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation that accepts and distributes gifts and grants from the private sector to support IMSA's mission and work. These contributions support programs and services for IMSA students and staff, other Illinois students, and educators in Illinois and beyond; activities for IMSA alumni and parents; and IMSA Fund operations including donor cultivation and recognition.

Corporations, foundations, small businesses and individual donors, including board members, alumni, current and alumni parents, staff members and friends, make possible numerous opportunities that otherwise would not occur. Gifts to the …

Annual Report 2005-2006, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

"Since its inception, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) has provided the citizens of the state of Illinois with a world-class academy for the educational advancements of students with aptitude for mathematics, science and technology fields and solid learning and leadership potential," Nunez said.

At Argonne, Nunez has led research and development efforts in a variety of areas including Nanotechnology, Material Sciences, Physics, Higher Energy Physics, Mathematics and Computing Sciences and Biosciences.

In addition to leading the Board and serving as an impressive role model for students and alumni, he also has remained one of IMSA's most vocal champions …

Annual Report 2004-2005, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

The promise of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® is now practice as visionary IMSA graduates forge new frontiers in Illinois and beyond in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and other fields, and as more and more students, educators and schools in our state, nation and world benefit from IMSA programs, products and services.

The Academy's reach, impact and success is due in no small part to the support it receives from the IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education - thanks to you.

You and other donors help in various ways, Annual gifts of all amounts provide essential operating support for …

Annual Report 2003-2004, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

Acting on beliefs...stepping up for IMSA. That is what you have done, and we truly appreciate your support.

Gifts and grants from the private sector advance and support IMSA program needs that cannot be funded in other ways, seed innovation and enable IMSA to pilot promising new initiatives. They also support the operations of the IMSA Fund, activities of the IMSA Alumni Association and the IMSA Parents Association Council, not to mention unexpected opportunities and emergency needs that arise. Unrestricted gifts are especially important because they provide the most flexibility for allocation where the need is greatest.

In FY04, the …

Annual Report 2002-2003, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

Reeling from an unprecedented eleventh-hour $2.5 million reduction to its state-appropriated operating budget for fiscal year 03, IMSA began the 2002-03 year by making the difficult decisions required. The Board of Trustees cut staff positions, cut the salaries of all remaining employees, increased student fees by 43%, accessed temporary or one-time revenue sources, and reduced programs and services for IMSA students, Illinois educators and other Illinois students.

In the aftermath of the reduction, the IMSA community rallied, choosing once again to stand up and be trailblazers, acting to preserve the academic integrity and distinctiveness of its remaining internal and statewide …

Annual Report 2001-2002, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

In just over a decade and a half, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy*(IMSA) has become one of the premier institutions of its kind in our state, nation and world.

By any and all measures, IMSA is an unqualified success...a winner that works...a powerful model of what is possible when government, education, and the private sector come together to address important needs and challenges - in this case to develop talent and stimulate excellence in teaching and learning in mathematics, science and technology.

Much of IMSA's success to date has been made possible by the generous support of our investors, …

Annual Report 2000-2001, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

How will the state, nation and world we know change in this new century? How will we produce our food, travel from place to place, care for our fellow human beings and sustain the energy to power it all? How will nations communicate and citizens receive news? What medical, ecological or informational challenges are on the horizon? Who will initiate life-changing innovations, and how will the next generation learn to do the same? The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy asks these questions of its students and teachers, other Illinois students and teachers, and the public at large - and in …

Annual Report 1999-2000, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

Throughout its history the IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education Board of Directors has worked hard to connect the vision, talents and ideas of the private sector with those in education to produce meaningful and measurable results. Through this work, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy and its partners have created a laboratory for learning and teaching mathematics and science in Illinois that is second to none.

The strategic direction of the IMSA Fund is always guided by the Academy's commitment that all students in Illinois benefit from IMSA's programs. IMSA serves students and mathematics and science teachers throughout Illinois …

Annual Report 1998-1999, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

We are pleased to share with you the 1998-99 annual report of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. IMSA's 13th year was characterized by the development of a comprehensive Business Plan to enable IMSA to achieve its vision of the future. The Business Plan targeted seven areas (Strategic Initiatives) for focused attention, development and growth. These were:

For IMSA students,

* Student Research and Inquiry

• Student Leadership Development

• Learning Standards and Assessment System

• Great Minds Program

For Illinois teachers and policymakers,

• Professional Development Programs

• Products (such as the Internet Toolkit)

• Public Policy Initiatives

• …

Annual Report 1997-1998, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

We are pleased to share with you the 1997-98 annual report of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. In this, we report some highlights of IMSA's 12th year, including highlights of our residential educational program for IMSA students and our statewide service programs for Illinois teachers, other students, and policymakers.

In 1997-98 we began implementing IMSA's visionary Second Decade Growth Plan which the Board endorsed in the Spring of 1997. The Growth Plan was designed to strengthen our capacity to: realize our mission, achieve our objectives, and fulfill our legislative charge; connect, integrate and leverage teaching and learning, research and …

Annual Report 1995-1996, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

It is our privilege to share with you, our shareholders, the 1995-96 report to our investors in the IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education.

In more ways than one, this was yet another exceptional year for the IMSA Fund. Once again, we secured more than one million dollars in gifts and pledges to support "margin of excellence" initiatives at the Academy. We have averaged more than one million dollars in gifts during the past four years .... allowing us to touch the future of mathematics and science education in Illinois, and the nation.

This year, a $350,000 grant from The …

Annual Report 1994-1995, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

It is our privilege to share with you, our shareholders, the 1994-95 annual report of the IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education.

This was another remarkable year for the IMSA Fund. Visionary donors such as the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Toyota USA Foundation and more than 117 corporations, foundations and organizations know that by investing in IMSA, they are investing in the future. These "partners for the future," including more than 500 individual donors, understand that programs to improve mathematics and science teaching in Illinois are key investments we must make today in order for Illinois and the United States …

Annual Report 1993-1994, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

As president of the IMSA Fund board of directors, it is my privilege to share with you, our shareholders, the 1993-94 annual report of the IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education.

This was another banner year for the IMSA Fund. For the second year in a row, we raised more than $1 million in a given fiscal year, putting us over the $6 million mark since 1986. Donors such as Ameritech Illinois, The Hitachi Foundation and the Harris Family Foundation led the way in making strong commitments to IMSA's problem-based learning and distance learning initiatives. We are grateful that you …

Annual Report 1992-1993, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

As president of the IMSA Fund board of directors, it is my privilege to share with you, our shareholders, the 1992-93 annual report of the IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education.

This was a record year for the IMSA Fund. For the first time in the Fund's history, we raised more than $1 million in a given fiscal year, putting us over the $5 million mark since 1986. This is a remarkable achievement given the fact that many corporations and individuals are forced to make sacrifices during these difficult economic times. We are grateful that you view Illinois students as …

Annual Report 1991-1992, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

As president of the IMSA Fund board of directors, it is my privilege to share with you, our shareholders, a copy of the 1991-92 annual report of the IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education.

This has been a record year for the IMSA Fund—an achievement all the more noteworthy in light of the recessionary economy and uncertain futures for many corporations and individuals. In a time when many people are having to make difficult choices, we are grateful you chose IMSA as a sound investment in the future.

The IMSA Fund raised nearly $1 million in 1991-92. The $963,245 total …

Annual Report 1990-1991, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

It is a privilege for me, as president of the IMSA Fund board of directors, to share with you a copy of the first annual report of the IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education.

In previous years, as you may recall, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy's annual report included information about the IMSA Fund and its donors. With the significant growth in the number of donors and programs these external contributions support, the IMSA Fund will, from this point on, have its own annual report specifically designed to illustrate the critical role the private sector plays in ensuring the …

Annual Report 1989-1990 Profile, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

The Curriculum

The IMSA curriculum focuses on critical and creative problem-solving skills and has four primary goals:

...to actualize intellectual potential and to develop academic achievement, creativity and responsibility in all students;

...to approach the study of mathematics and science with rigor by exploring the breadth and depth of content offerings using cutting-edge technologies;

. . . to foster interdisciplinary approaches to thinking and learning by integrating the studies of mathematics, science, social science, art and humanities;

...to practice apprentice investigation appropriate to each discipline.

Advanced level courses are taught in all of the academic disciplines with strong emphasis in …

Annual Report 1987-1988, Imsa Fund

IMSA Fund Reports

Our second academic year enabled the Academy to embark in new directions. At the conclusion of the 1988 spring legislative session, the Academy's budget review process was transferred from the Illinois State Board of Education to the Illinois Board of Higher Education. We are grateful to all who have helped shape the Academy into the unique institution that it is today. We extend special thanks to Superintendent of Education Dr. Ted Sanders and the staff at the State Board of Education for their leadership. With their assistance and support, the Academy was able to achieve significant growth within a limited …