i.c.stars offers a unique two-year program that provides an opportunity for low-income young adults to develop advanced technical and leadership skills while earning an associates degree.

The program begins with a sixteen-week internship that immerses participants into the technology sphere, where we learn and master business, leadership and technology skills. After the initial training period, eligible participants are promoted into our residency and fellowship programs. An i.c.stars “resident” will work with an outside partner or within the i.c.stars|* social enterprise, i.c.connexion, to deliver social media management for our paying clients. After a period of 4–8 months, individuals may opt to move into our Corporate Fellowship Program working as i.c.stars fellows on technology projects at major Corporations in the Chicagoland area with our consulting partners.

i.c.stars participants gain real life experience by learning to problem-solve client business issues, build web applications, create business plans, and manage projects. Upon entering the residency program, we provide college counseling and assist with enrollment into an associates degree program at the City Colleges of Chicago to obtain additional credentials and expertise.

Participants who complete their i.c.stars requirements and their Associates Degree receive full-time job placement assistance for career opportunities at some of Chicago’s top companies.

Our alums earn more money, continue to increase expertise in information technology-based platforms and join a supportive network that provides the resources necessary to help make the changes they seek in their own life and in their community.

The growing network of i.c.stars alums is a powerful group of community leaders that advocate for social justice in our communities. Our graduates have moved into successful leadership roles, adapted communications for diverse audiences using social media tools, developed a knowledge of programming and database development, built financial models, researched and implemented Internet marketing strategies, and regularly act as agents of change through public speaking engagements.

Are you ready for the challenge of becoming a member of i.c.stars? If so, apply now for our program.