What is CAAP?

Learn more about the College Arts Access Program

The College Arts Access Program (CAAP) is a college bridge program for Chicago Public School (CPS) students committed to studying art and design. Developed to support exceptional students who demonstrate significant financial need, scholarships are provided to cover all program tuition and fees.

Designed as a multi-year, holistic program, CAAP prepares high school students with the skills needed for admission to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) or another postsecondary institution.

Interested in seeing the type of work our CAAP students have made? Check out the CAAP 2020 final exhibition site.

Key CAAP Components

The CAAP Curriculum: The CAAP curriculum, designed as a sequence of Early College Program courses, seeks to balance creative development with academic progress. CAAP students will enroll in one course each semester (fall, spring, and summer) beginning in the fall semester of their sophomore year though their final spring semester as a senior. Through this multiyear commitment, students advance their academic and creative skills by engaging in a rigorous arts curriculum grounded in SAIC’s interdisciplinary approach. Juniors and seniors in the CAAP program will earn college credit for successful completion of coursework.

Who Can Apply?

CPS students entering their sophomore year in fall 2021 may apply. CAAP students will be chosen based on:

• Demonstrated commitment t o academic excellence
• Interest in pursuing a creative career path at a postsecondary institution
• Recommendation from a teacher or other academic professional
• 3–5 examples of art/design work from the past year
• Financial need

Want to learn even more? Watch a recording of our 2020 online information session. Check back for information on a 2021 online information session!