English Language Learner Track

The Summer Start English Learner Track application closes May 21, 2026—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 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 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, and 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, and Construction
Wright College ESL (learn English) classes

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. Completers of the program will be eligible to receive up to $200 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.

To join the Summer Start 2026 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, like completing your placement test to help determine which ESL class is the right fit for you. 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.

Please email summerstart@ccc.edu with any questions!