February 23, 2026
On February 17, Univision Chicago aired a feature on Space Explorers, a signature program of UChicago’s Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics. Watch the segment (19:20–23:04) and find the English transcript below.
Note that the University of Chicago offers programs aimed at CPS students to connect them with academic opportunities. Our colleague, Andrea Igliozzi, spoke with students who have already benefited from these programs and shows us below how they work and how you can apply.
On this occasion, I greet you from inside a telescope, and that's because the deadline to apply for programs that could help your children get into university and participate in super fun projects like this one is coming soon. Here's my story.
“My parents couldn't believe it, just like me, but little by little they are believing it. They are very proud of me and say it's all because of my efforts.” This is what it sounds like when a dream starts to take shape. David Espinoza has just been accepted with a scholarship to Stanford University, one of the most prestigious in the country. The Bolivian is the first in his family to attend university, but his story didn't begin with an acceptance letter, but rather with an opportunity.
Today he dreams of specializing in computer science and delving into the world of quantum finance. A path that began thanks to a free program from the University of Chicago created to open doors for students from the city's public schools and show them how far they can go. “With the program that helped me expand my horizons, I was able to apply to Stanford University and have been accepted, and I am very proud.”
David was part of the Space Explorers Program and for several summers worked in laboratories, collaborated with university professors, lived in residences, and immersed himself in science, technology, and astronomy projects, experiencing firsthand what it means to be a university student. “The one I liked the most is called Logic Circuits, which are logic circuits that use logic to perform computations.”
And if your child isn't into physics or technology, or even space, there's another gateway to the future: the College Scholars Program. “Students come every summer to take classes with university professors, and during the academic year they also have events.”
Kyla Jiménez is currently a student at the University of Chicago and knows exactly where she wants to go. She wants to be a doctor. She tells us that the program offered her university-level courses for six weeks every summer, in addition to workshops throughout the year to strengthen academic preparation, develop leadership, and even understand personal finance. “Yes, there were many students applying, but I think that programs like the Collegiate Scholars Program and Space Explorers help you and give you many resources to be prepared. So... Yes, I felt a little more prepared to apply.”
And it must be emphasized, both programs are completely free and are designed for students in grades 9 through 11 in Chicago Public Schools. The application process is done online. Students create an account, complete essays, upload their grades, and submit letters of recommendation. But beyond paperwork and requirements, they are looking for young people with a hunger to learn, big dreams, and a desire to change their story.
The application deadline is February 22, and the message for parents and students is clear: the opportunities exist; you just have to dare to take them. “For me, it means that only my mother has to drop me off, and she doesn't have to pay anything. And that's a great advantage because people are kind.”
Andrea Igliozzi, Univision Chicago.