Aim 2 Launch Track

The Summer Start Aim 2 Launch Application closes on May 21, 2026—apply before then!

Fast Facts

The program, including tuition and books, is free.

Laptops are available to borrow from City Colleges on a first-come, first-served basis through the Loaner Laptop program. See how to borrow a laptop here.

Students will have the chance to participate in fun activities, like social events, campus tours, professional development workshops, and more!
Students will have the chance to apply and prepare for Youth Apprenticeship placements which are yearlong paid jobs that begin in the fall and can fit around your class schedule.
Students will have access to dedicated support throughout the 8-week program.

Eligible students must:

  • Graduate from a CPS/charter/option school in Fall 2025 or Summer 2026 and be starting their first semester as a City Colleges student.
    Not sure if you’re from a CPS school? If it’s a search result on this CPS website, then you’re good to go!

  • Intend to enroll in City Colleges of Chicago courses during the Summer 2026 and Fall 2026 semesters.

  • Be available for the duration of the 8-week class schedule to attend your classes and complete required assignments; remember, this is a real college class! *

    *Depending on class schedules, students can anticipate spending approximately 20 hours per week on Summer Start activities (both in-person on campus and virtually). This includes in-class time, studying, homework, professional development opportunities through Aim 2 Launch, and other on-campus activity opportunities.

College Locations & Industry Pathways

Classes being offered by City Colleges location that are required by pathway:

Click the class name to see a full description in the City Colleges academic catalog. Some classes might have pre-requisites that you should be aware of.

Dawson Technical Institute | Construction Pathway 

Students in this pathway would take all 4 classes over the summer. Upon completion, they would receive the NCCER Core Certification.
Kennedy-King College | Information Technology Pathway
Malcolm X College | Health Science Pathway
Harold Washington College | Information Technology Pathway
Wright College | Information Technology Pathway
Wright College Humboldt Park Campus | Advanced Manufacturing Pathway 
Daley College | Advanced Manufacturing Pathway  
Students in this pathway would take both classes over the summer.  

*Eligibility for ENGLISH 101 based on prior coursework or RTW, ACT, SAT, GED, or HiSET test scores, or Consent of Department Chairperson.

Summer Start Aim 2 Launch Track is a free program and gives students the opportunity to gain college credit in their chosen industry pathway early, before their first fall at City Colleges. This is a great way to SAVE MONEY in the long run by getting coursework out of the way for free during the summer. Completers of the program will be eligible to receive up to $1,000 in Earn & Learn stipends!

It also helps students meet their peers and professors, gain a sense of community on campus, and prepare skills to be successful in their chosen career down the road. Students who participate in Aim 2 Launch can apply for a paid Youth Apprenticeship job in their chosen industry which would start in the fall of 2026.

To join the Summer Start 2026 cohort, follow the steps below:

  1. Apply to City Colleges of Chicago as a degree-seeking student for the Summer 2026 term.
  2. Fill out the application form below to apply to be a Summer Start Scholar.
  3. Check your email to find a message from careerlaunchchicago@ccc.edu with important information about next steps. Make sure to check your email inbox each week leading up to Summer Start in case you have important messages from staff at City Colleges. Messages will go to the email account that you list in the application below!

This Admissions and Completion Checklist shows you all the steps that go into both enrolling in AND completing Summer Start. Make sure to take a look and be prepared to complete the admissions steps this Spring!

Please email careerlaunchchicago@ccc.edu with any questions!