Purpose Pathway Seminar
For: First-year college students
The Purpose Pathway curriculum was designed to help first-year college students define their path forward in college through exploration of their values, purpose, and life goals. This class combines content on college success with the opportunity to think more broadly, empowering students to thrive in life overall.
This class is a good fit for you if any of the following apply:
- You’re a new student at City Colleges
- You’re unsure about what you want to study while at City Colleges
- You’re looking for a space to talk with your peers and professors about values, passions, and purpose
- You’re wanting to define short and long-term goals for your college and career journey
This class is an 8-week free workshop. It does not come with college credit at this time.
If you are interested in learning more or participating, email chicagoroadmap@ccc.edu.
Support for Students with Disabilities
For: City Colleges students with documented disabilities
Recognizing the additional layers that come with navigating rights and responsibilities after high school graduation, CPS graduates with documented disabilities (those who had an IEP or 504 plan in high school) can take advantage of specific supports that facilitate a smooth transition from high school to City Colleges.
Each summer, we provide an extended ACCESS Orientation for students with documented disabilities which includes:
- How to register with your college ACCESS Center
- The changes in your rights and responsibilities once you leave high school and enter college
Fall Success Coaching is offered to recent CPS graduates with documented disabilities. Coaches can help you:
- Get connected to resources
- Manage your time
- Make friends and get involved on campus
- Answer any questions you have about college
- And much more!
Learn more about City Colleges’ commitment to accessibility for students at www.ccc.edu/access. If you’re a Chicago Public School student, teacher, counselor, administrator, or parent with questions about ACCESS Orientation, you can email accessroadmap@ccc.edu.
Email the Manager of Accessibility Support with specific questions about the CPS to CCC transition for students with disabilities: accessroadmap@ccc.edu.
Support for English Language Learners
For: High School Graduates
City Colleges provides free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes that include reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, and vocabulary skills for students learning the English language.
If you’ve graduated from high school and still need support developing English language skills, we can help! Learn more at ccc.edu/ae.
Summer Start
For: High School Seniors (apply for this summer program as a high school senior)
Each summer, new City Colleges students across the city 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. With additional advising, options for English tutoring and math supports – this is the first step to college success.
Learn more and apply for the program at www.ccc.edu/start.
Early College
For: High School Juniors and Seniors
High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old are eligible to participate in Early College, a program that allows you to enroll in college-level courses for free while still in high school. This saves time and money needed to early a college degree!
Learn more at www.ccc.edu/earlycollege and talk to your high school counselor if you’re interested in enrolling in Early College classes at City Colleges.
Career Launch Chicago
For: High School Seniors
Career Launch Chicago offers intentional career exploration and workforce development opportunities that connect students to college pathways and careers in high demand industries through a comprehensive portfolio of offerings.
Portfolio of offerings for seniors at partner high schools:
- Makerspaces: IT, Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare, Construction
- Aim 2 Launch summer bridge program (part of Summer Start)
- Youth Apprenticeships that happen during a student’s first year at CCC
2025 partner high schools:
- Marine Leadership at Ames
What’s a Youth Apprenticeship?
A youth apprenticeship is a paid job opportunity for CCC Freshman to learn a trade through on-the-job training with a certified employer. A youth apprenticeship can:
- Open doors for students to gain exposure and understanding of what it’s like working in a specific trade industry
- Help grow skills in professional development – a strong resume builder!
- Possibly turn into full-time jobs
- Prepare for a degree in a specific industry
- Construction Management
- Students focus on the skills needed to manage a construction project and all elements of a construction site.
- Learn more about what you can do if you pursue an Associate in Applied Science with a focus in Construction Management here.
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Students are introduced to innovative technologies, such as robotics and electronics, used to improve products or production processes.
- Learn more about what you can do if you pursue a Basic Certificate, Advanced Certificate, or Associate in Applied Science in a manufacturing-related field here.
- Healthcare: Pharmacy Technology
- A pharmacy technician works closely with a pharmacist to ensure the health and safety of their patients. They locate, dispense, pack, and label prescribed medication for a patient that is then reviewed for accuracy by a pharmacist before dispensing to the patient. They might also help pharmacists with administrative tasks such as processing insurance claims, tracking inventory, and filing paperwork.
- Learn more about what you can do if you pursue a Pharmacy Technician Advanced Certificate here.
- Healthcare: Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA)
- Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) provide basic care and help patients with daily living activities. To be a CNA youth apprentice, you’ll need to have taken the Basic Nursing Assistant program and passed the Illinois CNA certification exam.
- Learn more about what you can do if you pursue a BNA Fundamentals Basic Certificate here.
- IT: Health Information Technology
- Students will focus on health information technology, an important part of health care that involves the processing, storage, and exchange of health information in an electronic environment.
- Learn more about what you can do if you pursue an Associate in Applied Science with a focus in Health Information Technology here.
Why would I want to do a youth apprenticeship?
- A youth apprenticeship can kickstart your career by giving you exposure to a high-demand field early on. It combines classroom learning with hands-on, on-the-job training to prepare you for a job right out of high school or for the next steps in your schooling.
How will I fit this work schedule into my day while still a student?
- As a youth apprentice, you will work with your advisor to create a class schedule at CCC that works with your job schedule.
How much will I get paid?
- The minimum pay offered by any of our employers is the Chicago minimum wage ($15-15.80); some employers might offer a higher hourly rate.
To connect with a member of the Career Launch Chicago team, email careerlaunchchicago@ccc.edu.
