Early Identification entrants must have completed three years of science and two of math and must have a B average in those subjects. The programs usually have about 40 students, although the discovery program can have up to 60. Most are recruited from the Chicago Public Schools. Jimenez will be one of about 170 students from some 30 Chicago high schools who will be heading for DePaul's Lincoln Park campus to take part in its Saturday STEP program in fall. Its director Rafaela Weffer, a DePaul professor in the education department and the associate vice president of academic affairs, began the program in 1982.
Students begin the program, as high school freshmen and continue through their senior year.
Weffer said she believes the four year cycle is necessary. The curriculum is heavily geared toward math and science. When the Program was started, Weffer's research showed that most students lacked access to good lab facilities, something that DePaul could provide. She also found that Hispanic students were underrepresented in college math and science programs. The DePaul program began with mostly Hispanic students.