City Colleges of Chicago

From June 5th to July 27th, new City Colleges students across the city will prepare for a successful college experience by taking a FREE college level course and participating in college success activities – ensuring momentum into and through college early in their first year. You can join them! With additional advising, options for English tutoring and math supports – this is your first step to college success.

Fast Facts

The program, including tuition and books, is free.

Laptops are available to borrow from City Colleges.

Students can re-/take the English (RTW) and/or Math (ALEKS) placement exams at the end of the summer if they receive English and/or math tutoring support during the program, which is offered for free.

Students will have the chance to participate in fun activities, like social events, campus tours, student groups, and more!

Eligible students must:

  • Graduate from a CPS/charter/option school in Fall 2023 or Spring/Summer 2024

    • Not sure if you’re from a CPS school? If it’s searchable here, then you’re good to go!
  • Intend to enroll in City Colleges of Chicago courses during the Summer 2024 and Fall 2024 semesters.
  • Be available to participate in all components of Summer Start which include*:

    • College credit class of your choosing (must be offered during SU24 term and must be a class you are eligible for)
    • At least 1 offering from a list of academic tutoring options
    • At least 2 offerings from a list of college success options
    • At least 1 offering from a list of campus engagement options

    *Depending on class selection, students can anticipate spending approximately 10-15 hours per week on Summer Start activities (both in-person on campus and virtually). This includes in-class time, studying, homework, and other mandatory activities.

    Lists of additional offerings will be provided at Summer Start virtual orientation on April 11 which is mandatory for all participating students.

College Locations

All 7 City Colleges of Chicago are participating. You can take your class at:

It is recommended that you take your Summer Start class at the college you plan to attend in the fall (i.e., your home campus) so that you can get comfortable with your home college campus. However, if your home campus isn’t offering the class you want to take, you can complete a class at a different campus.

You can browse the course catalog here to see what types of classes are offered at CCC!

Summer Start is a free program and gives students the opportunity to gain college credit early, before their first fall at CCC! This is a great way to SAVE MONEY in the long run by getting a class out of the way for free during the summer!  

It also helps students meet their peers and professors, gain a sense of community on campus, and prepare to be the best version of themselves in college.  

To join the Summer Start 2024 cohort, follow the steps below:

  1. Apply to City Colleges of Chicago as a degree-seeking student for the Summer 2024 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 summerstart@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 CCC. Messages will go to the email account that you list in the application below!
  4. Attend virtual Summer Start orientation on April 11. If you apply later than April 11, you will have an alternative orientation.
  5. Complete a DocuSign form that will be sent to your email inbox. This will show that you agree to the requirements of the Summer Start program.
  6. Once registration for Summer 2024 and Fall 2024 terms is open (April 3, 2024), you can register for your Summer Start class and for your Fall 2024 classes. Students must be registered for fall classes at CCC prior before to July 1 to your Summer Start class paid for.

**Make sure to talk to a college advisor before registering for classes! They will help you make the right choice for you! This might be at Enrollment Days if you’re coming on that field trip with your senior class, OR you can talk to an advisor through Virtual Student Services.**

Please email summerstart@ccc.edu with any questions!

Apply Now!

If you’re an English Language Learner looking to go to Malcolm X, complete the ESL Summer Start cohort application here:

All others interested in Summer Start, complete the form below! 

Contact us:

Please reach out to summerstart@ccc.edu if you have any questions.

Not sure what to study? Check out our course catalog.

Connect virtually with an academic advisor, meet with our Financial Aid Office, and find other resources at www.ccc.edu/VSS.

What are you waiting for? Your success starts at City Colleges.