The Freshman Urban Program (FUP) dedicates itself to exposing incoming freshmen to the social and political issues facing the diverse neighborhoods of Chicago. Participants are encouraged to form new understandings of these communities through dialogue with social service organizations, Northwestern professors, community members, leaders, and each other. Emphasizing the principles of Asset Based Community Development, FUP introduces participants to the powerful resources that lie within these communities. By the end of FUP, freshmen will be able to identify themselves as both students of the Northwestern community and citizens of the larger Chicago area. Moreover, students will recognize the powerful roles they can play in creating positive change within each of these spheres.
FUP is a pre-New Student Week activity open to all incoming freshmen. During this five day program, participants will stay in a youth hostel in Chicago's Loop area. From there they will be dispatched to volunteer at community centers, urban schools, homeless shelters and advocacy organizations throughout the city. Northwestern faculty and various community leaders will lead discussions on a variety of issues facing urban communities.
The program is student-run with support from the Center for Student Involvement. FUP will run from September 9-15, 2009 and is an excellent opportunity to meet 80 other incoming freshmen. It will also teach incoming freshmen how to become an involved member of the Northwestern service community. Space is limited and students will be selected on the basis of an application. If selected, freshmen will be contacted with further information about the week. All interested freshmen should apply as soon as possible.
The program will cost $200 and will include housing, food, transportation and a program t-shirt. Limited partial and full need-based scholarships are available. "The combination of speakers, service and discussion was so incredibly informative." -2003 Participant
Click on "the experience" above for more info about the program!
