Chicago Difference uses DEF workshop for incoming college students
Underrepresented first-year college students receive Decision Skills workshop
In June of 2024, DEF partnered with the Above All Things Dream Foundation's Tia and Greg to work with over 80 incoming college freshmen who participated in a two-day orientation structured around Decision Skills at the Illinois Institute of Technology. The students, Chicago Difference Scholars, are participants in an IIT program that aims to advance diversity in STEM by supporting underrepresented students across Chicago.
Over the course of these two days, Scholars 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 IIT about integrating Decision Quality more broadly within their programs.
