Bio&ChemEXCEL
Bio&ChemEXCEL is a pre-orientation program for admitted Weinberg College students interested in STEM disciplines such as biology, chemistry, or neuroscience, especially if they want to learn more about research here at Northwestern.
Arch Scholars
The Arch Scholars programs are designed to welcome, engage, and support students who attended high schools with little or no AP/IB preparation, those with financial need (like Questbridge students), or who are among the first in their families to attend college.
Read more about each program and its application process below.
Learn About Bio&ChemEXCEL
NU Bioscientist
NU Bioscientist is a two-quarter program that runs during the first-year for Weinberg College students interested in performing research in the biological, biomedical, chemical, neurobiological, or cognitive sciences. No research experience is required for applicants.
Posner Research Program
The Posner Research Program enables rising sophomores in Weinberg College to conduct research under faculty guidance during the summer after their first-year.
Warren Summer Bridge Program
Bridge is a pre-orientation program for admitted Weinberg and Medill students interested in any discipline, including the sciences, economics, social sciences, humanities, or journalism.
Why Participate?
Benefits of our Summer Transition Programs
Three alumni of the Weinberg College Arch Scholars program describe the opportunities it gave them to experience college coursework prior to their first year at the College, as well as the chance to work closely with faculty members and forge lasting friendships with other students.
Faculty and Administrator Perspectives
Weinberg College administrators and faculty members highlight the goals of the College’s summer transition program for first-generation students and students whose high schools offered little AP preparation.
Meet the Arch Scholars
Learn more about our students and their experiences in Arch.
One of my favorite memories as an Arch participant was the scavenger hunt in downtown Chicago with the Bio&Chem EXCEL program before my freshman year. Our upperclassmen counselors showed us how to use the intercampus bus to go into the city and led us through a day-long exploration of well-known sites around NU’s Feinberg campus. ”
Elaine Botros, who participated in Bio&ChemEXCEL, Bridge 2, Posner, and Peer Mentoring
Get Involved with the Program
There are a number of ways you can support the first-generation and lower-income population here at Northwestern.
Student Opportunities
- Leadership opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students
- Peer Mentoring Program pairs first-generation and lower-income students with undergraduate mentors
Donor Opportunities
Arch Scholars is made possible through the support of our donors.