College Arts Access Program

The College Arts Access Program (CAAP) is a three-year college bridge program for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students who apply during their first year in high school and participate from sophomore through senior year. Students apply for admission to the program, and accepted participants receive full financial support, covering course tuition, meals, transportation, and art supplies.

Develop your creative voice, explore across disciplines, and gain skills, artistic confidence, and design experience. CAAP combines rigorous coursework with mentorship, community, and hands-on learning. Take courses through SAIC’s Early College Program (ECP), earn college credits while still in high school, learn directly from working artists and designers, and explore ideas through a range of projects. CAAP prepares students for college admissions and supports them in developing a creative practice for students interested in seeking a career in art and design.

Benefits of Participating in CAAP

At CAAP, your ideas matter, your creativity is celebrated, and your potential is limitless.

Earn college credits: Up to 6 credits for free, giving you a head start on college-level coursework.
Support provided: Meals, transportation (Ventra passes), and art supplies each term.
Mentorship: Work alongside SAIC undergraduate and graduate students who guide your creative growth and share insights into college and the art world.
Co-curricular experiences: National Portfolio Day, mentor-led lunches, and field trips to Chicago museums and cultural centers (MCA, Field Museum, Chicago Cultural Center).
College prep: Workshops and presentations for students and caregivers to support every step of the college application process.
Community: Build lifelong relationships with your cohort, mentors, and SAIC instructors while exploring your creativity and collaborating across disciplines.

Here’s what you’ll need:
3–5 samples of your artwork or design projects. You may include sketches, works in progress, writing, inspiration boards, or other media. Take risks and be inventive!
A 300- to 500-word essay about yourself and your interest in art and design. Audio or video essays accepted!
Financial documentation: Proof of household financial need (e.g., 1040 tax forms, disability or Medicaid approval letters, SNAP benefits, HUD public housing documentation, or unemployment documentation).
HS transcripts
HS attendance record
One teacher recommendation

Due April 10—don’t miss your chance!
First-year CPS high school students with financial need.

Documents that demonstrate the household's economic situation include a disability or Medicaid approval letter, verification of eligibility for school meals, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, documentation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding participation in the public housing program, or unemployment documentation. Students should work with caregivers to collect these materials
The CAAP Application opens in October and closes in April. The CAAP Review Committee evaluates applications in May. Finalists will be invited to interview in the summer.

Your portfolio is a way to show who you are as an artist and how you express your ideas. You can include things like:
Sketchbook pages or works in progress
Finished drawings, paintings, photos, videos, or digital art
Writing samples or inspiration boards

You don’t need to stick to one type of art—try different materials or ideas. Choose 3–5 pieces that best represent your personal style and creativity.
Your essay should be about one page (around 350–500 words). There’s no strict limit, so just focus on expressing your ideas clearly.

If you prefer, you can submit your essay as an audio or video recording instead of writing it—choose the format that feels best for you.
Yes, you can still apply. However, once you’re in the program, you’ll need to keep up good grades and attendance at your CPS high school. Each spring, CAAP staff will request your transcript and attendance record to ensure you’re meeting those expectations.
Our staff is happy to help answer application questions! Contact the CAAP team for help at 312.629.6170 or caap@saic.edu.

CAAP Testimonial

The College Arts Access program is made possible by the generous support of the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Foundation.

Contact Us

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

College Arts Access Program