About CHANCE

The McKinley “Deacon” Davis CHANCE Program is dedicated to helping students succeed and persist in college. Now a part of NIU’s Division of Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, CHANCE provides personalized academic, financial, social and organizational support to students admitted through NIU’s holistic admissions process.

CHANCE recognizes that students bring diverse strengths, experiences and backgrounds to NIU. The program is built on the belief that with the right support and connections, every student has the potential to succeed. CHANCE works alongside campus partners to surround students with the guidance, resources and community they need to make the most of their time at NIU.

A Lasting Legacy

The CHANCE Program was founded in 1968 by McKinley “Deacon” Davis. The founding of CHANCE was recognized as one of the 125 key moments in NIU’s history. In 2018, NIU marked the program’s 50th anniversary.