The Kishwaukee College Engineering, Math & Science Academy (EMSA) gives high school students a jump start on their college career by providing college-level courses during their junior or senior year of high school.
EMSA provides talented and motivated high school students who are interested in pursuing an engineering or professional degree the opportunity to get a head start on college. They will take Kishwaukee College engineering or pre-professional classes at our college campus during their junior or senior year. Following their high school graduation, these courses can be transferred to a four-year institution, or the student can remain at Kishwaukee College to complete their associate degree before transferring. We work closely with both Northern Illinois University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to ensure a seamless transfer for students into their chosen undergraduate programs.
All EMSA students will take Calculus I during the summer session (typically between junior and senior years).
Engineering TrackAny current high school sophomore or junior may apply for admission to EMSA if they have taken one year of chemistry and pre-calculus (trigonometry) with a grade of “B” or better in these courses. Students who are currently enrolled in chemistry and pre-calculus at their high school are strongly encouraged to apply to EMSA, and their grades will be reviewed upon completion of these high school courses.
The student must complete high school chemistry and pre-calculus with a grade of “B” or better in each semester. There is no minimum GPA requirement for this program. However, the EMSA program is a limited admission program. Our goal is to have a broad representation of students from all district high schools, and diversity across our district will be a factor in the admission process. A student Statement of Interest and a letter of recommendation from a high school counselor will also be considered as part of the program admission process. In the event of equally qualified candidates, the completed application with the earlier submittal date (including all required evaluation letters and forms) will be given preference.
Kishwaukee College works closely with the principals and counselors from district high schools who are aware of the value of the program to their students. They have received several communications regarding the EMSA program and should be able to answer general questions about how EMSA relates to the high school curriculum/schedule.
Students accepted into the EMSA program begin by taking a summer session Calculus I class, typically between their junior and senior years. The summer session will begin in mid-June and continue through early August. The fall semester begins in August and ends in mid-December. The spring semester begins in mid-January and ends in mid-May.
Applications will be accepted at any time following the Information Session meeting in November and will continue to be accepted until March 1. However, because this is a popular program and has limited enrollment, students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Because EMSA is officially a dual enrollment program (see above), students are responsible for all tuition, fees and textbook costs associated with the program. The cost of the program depends on the current tuition rate and the selected courses within the EMSA program but will be approximately:
This cost difference is due primarily to the different textbook requirements for each track. Estimated Cost of EMSA Program
Members of the Amboy High School Class of 2014 recently supported the Kishwaukee College Foundation's Mathew J. Rood Diesel Power Technology Scholarship after collecting donations at Amboy Depot Days.
Read MoreThe Kishwaukee College Foundation is pleased to announce the student scholarship recipients for the Fall 2025 semester. The Foundation awarded 296 scholarships totaling $218,866.
Read More