Early College Program Online Summer Institute

Early College Program Online Summer Institute

We’re committed to helping you grow and progress as artists and designers this summer, and are excited to offer our Early College Program Online Summer Institute, led by our highly acclaimed faculty of artists and designers. You’ll join peers from around the globe to build your portfolio, deepen your understanding of contemporary art-making, and earn college credit. Experience dynamic virtual demos, engage in group critiques, and receive the ideal blend of one-on-one meeting time with faculty and independent exploration in this world-class summer art and design program.

Students must have completed their sophomore year of high school and be at least 15 years of age by the start of the program.

Watch our info session that outlines all of the details of the On-Campus and Online Summer Institutes. Learn more about the curriculum, faculty, college credit, special programming, student benefits, living in Chicago, and much more! 

About our online program: 

• Yes, you’ll work hard
• No, you won’t be sitting in front of a computer screen all day
• Yes, faculty will be working with you in real-time
• Yes, you will meet other students from across the country and around the world
• Yes, our instructors have taught virtually before (and are, frankly, just amazing), and are excited to work with you
• Yes, we know incredible artists and designers from across the world, and you’ll have the opportunity to meet some of them

Course Highlights

• Work with our talented faculty of practicing artists, designers, and scholars
• Earn college credit that may transfer to any college you attend
• Connect with visiting artists from around the globe
• Collaborate with students from across the United States and around the world
• Prepare a competitive portfolio for college admission

Special Benefits for Students Applying to SAIC for Undergrad

• Robust faculty and admissions application advising, including merit portfolio preparation advice
• The opportunity to receive your admission decision by October 15, earlier than any other SAIC applicant, providing that you have submitted all of your application materials

Students must be at least 15 years old and not older than 18 years and must have completed their sophomore year of high school to enroll. Already graduating? If you're finishing high school in the spring and will not turn the age of 19 until after your intended course, you can still join us!

Contact Us

Continuing Studies staff members are available Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CT at 312.629.6170 or cs@saic.edu to answer your questions. We are here to help!