Aim 2 Launch Track

The Summer Start Aim 2 Launch application closes on April 18, 2025 – apply before then!

Fast Facts

The program, including tuition and books, is free.

Laptops are available to borrow from City Colleges 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 Career Launch Chicago partner school in Summer 2025 and be starting their first semester as a CCC student.

    • Not sure if you’re from a CPS Career Launch Chicago partner school? If it’s listed here, then you’re good to go!
  • Intend to enroll in City Colleges of Chicago courses during the Summer 2025 and Fall 2025 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 selection, 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 campus that are required by pathway:

Click the class name to see a full description in the CCC Academic Catalog. Some classes might have pre-requisites that you should be aware of.

Kennedy-King College | Construction Pathway 

Students in this pathway would take all 3 classes over the summer.
  1. 332TECH449: Professional Development  
  2. 432CMGT609: Construction Safety II  
  3. CIS 120: Intro to Computer Applications 

Malcolm X College | Healthcare Pathway, Pharm Tech Pathway 

Pharm Tech:

  1. Pharmacy Technology 134: Pharmacy Practices
  2. Pharmacy Technology 135: Pharmacy Calculations

Healthcare General:

  1. Health Professions 102: Health Career Studies
  2. English 101

Truman College | IT Pathway 
  1. Computer Science 101
  2. Computer Information Systems 117: Intro to Apple Development

Daley College | Advanced Manufacturing Pathway  

Students in this pathway would take both classes over the summer.  
  1. 340MFGT105: Intro to Advanced Manufacturing 1  
  2. 340MFGT107: Intro to Advanced Manufacturing 3 

*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 CCC! This is a great way to SAVE MONEY in the long run by getting coursework 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 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 2025.

To join the Summer Start 2025 cohort, follow the steps below:

  1. Apply to City Colleges of Chicago as a degree-seeking student for the Summer 2025 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 careerlaunchicago@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. 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 careerlaunchicago@ccc.edu with any questions!