High School Programs

Strengthen and Expand your Creative Talents

Drawn by the quality and reputation of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the excitement of downtown Chicago, high school students of diverse backgrounds and experiences come to the Early College Program to strengthen their commitment to the study of art and design and develop a strong portfolio for college admission.

The Early College Program (ECP) provides excellence in precollege, interdisciplinary art, design, and creative writing education by focusing on contemporary practices that develop visual and conceptual skills, facilitate portfolio development for college admissions, expose high school students to SAIC faculty and institutional resources, and offer opportunities for high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit.

Support the Development of Young Artists

Please consider making a meaningful contribution the ECP Chicago Youth Artist Educational Fund.

Founded in 2012, the ECP Chicago Youth Artist Educational Fund provides need-based merit scholarships to deserving students from Chicago Public High Schools to attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Early College Program.

You can donate online to this scholarship fund that encourages youth art education, or you may enclose a check with your tuition payment made out to "School of the Art Institute of Chicago" with "ECP Chicago Youth Artist Educational Fund" in the memo line. If you wish to make your payment over the phone please call the CS office at 312.629.6170.

Thank you for your support of scholarships at SAIC!