We will send you information on directions, housing, and where to send mail once you are accepted.

Students arriving by plane or train must contact the program director immediately before purchasing their ticket to discuss arrival and departure times, and transportation from the airport or train station. Early check-in is only available for pre-approved early arrivals.

Program staff will host a virtual welcome and orientation session to discuss expectations of the summer experience. Parents should stay for this virtual session. More information will be provided before the program's start date.

If you are accepted into the program, information about where you are staying and where to send mail will be provided at that time.

Each apprentice/scholar will be issued an official program I.D. at the start of the program. This I.D. is required to use certain university facilities, including meal service and the campus shuttle system.

All participants are provided lodging at a dorm and are chaperoned by resident advisors. Meals are provided (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

All materials and supplies required by the summer program will be provided.

The University of Illinois provides free bus service for all students. City service is free only for university students. You can bring bicycles to campus to get to the worksite each day. Bicycles cannot be kept inside the dormitory, and thus a good chain and lock (U-shaped lock, not a combination) is highly recommended. Cars may not be driven during the program. If cars are brought to campus, students must turn in their keys to the program director. A special form must be signed by the student and parent. Participants may not ride in personal vehicles at any time.

Leaving Campus

Students leaving the campus area outside of designated times must have a form signed by their parents and notify the program director. All students will be required to reside on campus for the entire period of their program. 

Discovering STEM in the ACES Program and Ag Discovery students will have access to the campus recreational (ARC and CRCE) facilities. Swimming pools, weight rooms, racquetball, and tennis courts are among the many recreational resources available. Your resident advisor will have a handout with additional information.

• Quarters for the coin-operated washing machines and dryers
• Towels and toiletries (bed linens are provided.)
• Alarm clock
• Cash or an ATM card

Dress Code

Because ACES STEM programs introduce high school students to faculty and staff on campus and major corporate enterprises. As such, appropriate dress and behavior are mandatory. If not dressed appropriately, students will be asked to change clothes.

Please note that assigned t-shirts with jeans, slacks, khakis, and other long pants will be the required attire during the week and on designated activities during the weekend days. Athletic/casual shoes are a part of the Discovering STEM in ACES Program assigned dress code. 

Acceptable Items

• Jeans
• Skirts
• Dresses
• Athletic shoes
• Casual shoes
• Cotton twill pants
• Casual shirts
• Polo-type shirts with collar
• Dress t-shirts
• Dress shoes

Closing Reception

Students will make brief presentations and receive certificates. Semi-formal attire is required by students for their reception. No jeans or gym shoes will be permitted. Information on the location will be provided at the orientation.

• Sandals or flip flops

Unacceptable Items

• Too baggy pants/jeans that expose underwear
• Too tight pants/jeans/skirts
• Very short shorts
• Too short skirts/dresses that are more than 5 inches from the knee
• Low-cut tops, mesh or tank tops
• Tops that show the midriff (stomach area)
• T-shirts with pictures or slogans
• Do-rags

All students are expected to carry themselves in a respectful, courteous manner on and off campus. On corporate visits and in the classroom the expectation is that you will listen to all presentations, ask appropriate questions, maintain self-respect, and be respectful of others by using appropriate speaking volume, tone, language, and controlling physical contact and body language. Get proper rest the night before to not embarrass yourself or others in the program by falling asleep during presentations.

Medical treatment for Discovering STEM in ACES Program students will occur at Carle Clinic/Hospital in Urbana. Worker's compensation coverage would likely be applicable for any program-related injury. For illnesses where medical attention is necessary, charges for medical care and/or prescription drugs will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Carle will provide insurance claims which can be filed with any group and/or private insurance carrier. Students should bring copies of any pertinent insurance coverage information.