English Language Learner Track

The Summer Start English Learner Track application closes on May 30, 2025 – apply before then!

Fast Facts

The program is free.

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

Eligible students must:

  • Graduate from a CPS/charter/option school in Fall 2024 or Summer 2025 and be starting their first semester as a CCC student.

    • 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 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 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 on-campus activity opportunities.

College Locations Offering ESL Summer Classes:

Classes being offered by City Colleges campus:

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  ESL (learn English) classes 

Bridge classes in carpentry, culinary, early childhood education, construction, HVAC, & IT 
Malcolm X College  ESL (learn English) classes 
Truman College  ESL (learn English) classes
Olive-Harvey College  ESL (learn English) classes 
Daley College  ESL (learn English) classes 

Bridge classes in community health worker, manufacturing, early childhood education, & construction 

Summer Start English Learner Track is a free program and gives students the opportunity to build up English language skills during the summer in preparation for starting a degree as a City Colleges of Chicago student!  

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.

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

  1. Fill out the application form below to apply to be a Summer Start Scholar. 
  2. Check your email to find a message from the College you want to attend 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! 

Please email summerstart@ccc.edu with any questions!