Youth Enrichment
Hands-on fun for elementary and middle school students. Our Academic Enrichment Program features classes that improve academic and language skills, develop an appreciation for art and drama, and provide opportunities to explore technology.
These courses offer a unique opportunity to boost interest and understanding in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) topics in exciting ways that complement a child's learning. Active and engaging experiences foster a student's natural curiosity and stimulate learning and problem-solving.
COD Youth Academy is fun and engaging, with the instructional quality and academic standards you expect from College of DuPage.
Fall Youth Enrichment Classes
3D Printing: Halloween Project
Explore the exciting technology of 3D printing and 3D design. Students will create a Halloween-themed item in this fun and creative workshop. Instructor: Richard Morton
Saturdays, Oct. 17 and 24
12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
YEEL-0002-002, $49
On campus in Glen Ellyn
3D Printing: Winter Wonder
New Course, check it out: Explore the exciting technology of 3D printing and 3D design. Students will create a winter-themed item in this fun and creative workshop. Instructor: Richard Morton
Saturdays, Dec. 5 and 12
12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
YEEL-0002-004, $49
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Art Studio
New Course, check it out: Art Studio is a hands-on class where students use a variety of art materials and techniques to create original projects. From drawing and painting to mixed media, participants will build artistic skills, develop confidence and express their creativity in a fun and supportive environment. Instructor: Angie Crowson
Saturdays, Nov. 7 to 21
1 to 3 p.m.
YEEL-0005-201, $69
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Beginning Crochet
Create fun and simple projects while learning to crochet. Enjoy learning a new craft that can grow into a fun, creative hobby for years to come. All materials are provided. No class Oct. 31. Instructor: Vesna Plavsic
Saturdays, Oct. 17 to Nov. 21
9 to 10:30 a.m.
YEEL-0001-112, $89
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Cookie Artist Workshop "Boo-kie" Edition
New Course, check it out: Get creative and satisfy your sweet tooth in this fun, hands-on cookie decorating class for grades 3–7! Students will learn basic decorating techniques using royal icing, sprinkles and edible designs to turn simple cookies into edible works of art. Each participant will take home six decorated cookies to share. Please discuss any allergen concerns with the Youth Academy prior to registration.
Saturday, Oct. 10
12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
YEEXC-0001-111, $49
Naperville Center
Creative Writing
Discover the joy of writing, intrigue of language and confidence of authorship. Students learn to write stories and personal narratives, along with other creative forms. Instructor: Sevim Memisovski
Saturdays, Oct. 3 to 24
9 to 11 a.m.
YEEL-0001-012, $79
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Drawing With Colored Pencils and Pastels
Gain an introduction to drawing using colored pencils or pastel chalk. Experiment with light and dark color combinations to create depth, highlights and contrast to bring your images to life. Practice drawing objects, animals and backgrounds, then put everything together to make a composition piece. Instructor: Timothy Campbell
Saturdays, Oct. 3 to 24
12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
YEEL-0002-052, $79
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Escape Room Puzzle Challenge
Step into the world of mystery and adventure in this interactive Escape Room Challenge! Students will collaborate to solve riddles, decode secret messages and tackle creative puzzles inspired by real-life escape rooms. Each session is packed with brain-teasing tasks that encourage teamwork, sharpen critical thinking and strengthen problem-solving skills—all in a fun, fast-paced environment where every clue brings them closer to success. Instructor: Casey Nunes
Saturdays, Oct. 17 and 24
10 a.m. to noon
YEEL-0005-502, $49
Westmont Center
Saturdays, Nov. 7 and 14
10 a.m. to noon
YEEL-0005-501, $49
Naperville Center
Felt Friends Workshop: Create, Stitch and Gift
New Course, check it out: Bring creativity to life in this hands-on sewing class! Students will learn basic hand-sewing skills while creating an adorable winter- or Christmas-themed stuffed project. From stitching and stuffing to adding decorative touches, participants will make a one-of-a-kind handmade stuffy to take home. Instructor: Abby Crowson
Mondays, Nov. 30 to Dec. 14
3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
YEEXC-0002-222, $79
Westmont Center
Minecraft-Style Self Portrait
New Course, check it out: In this creative hands-on class, students will design Minecraft-style self-portraits using grid paper and learn basic cartooning skills to create characters and stories. Each participant will take home an original storybook featuring their artwork and imaginative storyline. Instructor: Gaby Magalhaes Tessitore
Saturdays, Oct. 3 to 24 (no class Oct. 10)
9 to 11 a.m.
YEEL-0001-111, $79
Naperville Center
Stop-Motion Video (G3-5)
Create your own stop-motion film using LEGO® figures, dolls, clay or drawings. Students will create a concept and storyboard, photograph their props and use iMovie to assemble the images to show motion. Please bring props on the first day of class. Instructor: Jay Sternickle
Saturdays, Oct. 31 to Nov. 14
12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
YEEL-0002-021, $99
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Story Writing
Improve writing skills as you develop techniques to author an original story. Start by learning the components of a well-written piece, then apply the process to create your own story, complete with illustrations. Instructor: Sevim Memisovski
Saturdays, Nov. 7 to Dec. 5 (no class Nov. 28)
9 to 11 a.m.
YEEL-0002-030, $79
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Sweet Creations Workshop
New Course, check it out: In this hands-on workshop, students will decorate cookies using icing. With one session in the fall and one in the winter, participants will create themed sweets, learn beginner-friendly decorating techniques and take home delicious creations to share and enjoy.
Fall Themed Workshop
Instructor: Casey Nunes
Saturday, Oct. 24
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
YEEXC-0002-222, $29
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Winter Themed Workshop
Instructor: Casey Nunes
Saturday, Dec. 5
10 a.m. to noon
YEEXC-0002-333, $29
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Art Studio
New Course, check it out: Art Studio is a hands-on class where students use a variety of art materials and techniques to create original projects. From drawing and painting to mixed media, participants will build artistic skills, develop confidence and express their creativity in a fun and supportive environment. Instructor: Angie Crowson
Saturdays, Nov. 7 to 21
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
YEMS-0005-003, $59
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Beginning Crochet
Create fun and simple projects while learning to crochet. Enjoy learning a new craft that can grow into a fun, creative hobby for years to come. All materials are provided. No class Oct. 31. Instructor: Vesna Plavsic
Saturdays, Oct. 17 to Nov. 21 (no class Oct. 31)
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
YEMS-0002-111, $89
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Creative Writing
Discover the joy of writing, the intrigue of language and the confidence of authorship. Students learn to write stories and personal narratives, along with other creative forms. Instructor: Sevim Memisovski
Saturdays, Oct. 3 to 24
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
YEMS-0001-012, $79
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Digital Cartooning
Learn the basics of digital brushes, layer styles and more to create amazing images. Students use either Photoshop or pixlr.com during class and are introduced to a digital drawing pad. Instructor: Richard Morton
Saturdays, Sept. 26 to Oct. 24
12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
YEMS-0001-105, $89
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Drone Pilot Academy: Fly, Navigate & Get TRUST Certified
This hands-on drone class teaches students the fundamentals of safe and responsible drone operation while working toward FAA TRUST certification. Using flight simulators, manual piloting and VR headsets, students will build drone skills while exploring radio communication, robotics and cybersecurity concepts. Ideal for aspiring pilots, engineers and tech enthusiasts. Instructor: Jeremy Montgomery
Warning: VR headset activities are included. Some participants may experience dizziness. Use caution if sensitive to flashing visuals or have a history of seizures.
Mondays, Oct. 19 to Nov. 9
4 to 6 p.m.
YEMS-0005-024, $89
Naperville Center
Dungeons & Dragons
Embark on a quest for adventure and monster destruction. Use your imagination, create your own character, work as a team and develop group problem-solving skills as you attempt to complete a quest led by the Dungeon Master, Mr. Morty.
Saturdays, Sept. 26 to Oct. 24
3 to 5:30 p.m.
YEMS-0001-006, $89
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Saturdays, Nov. 7 to Dec. 12 (no class Nov. 28)
3 to 5:30 p.m.
YEMS-0001-016, $89
On campus in Glen Ellyn
From Parts to Power: Engineering a Remote-Control Car
New Course, check it out: In this hands-on engineering class, students will build and test their own remote-control car while learning basic engineering concepts, schematics and problem-solving skills. Participants will gain confidence using tools and assembling mechanical and electrical components, then take home a fully functional remote-control car. Instructor: Terry Buckley
Saturday, Oct. 17
9 a.m. to noon
YEMS-0005-011, $69
Westmont Center
Saturday, Nov. 7
9 a.m. to noon
YEMS-0005-022, $69
Naperville Center
Sewing Workshop
Learn the basics of sewing in a fun, hands-on setting. From threading a needle to creating simple projects, participants will build skills, gain confidence and bring their own creative ideas to life—no experience required. Instructor: Angie Crowson
Saturdays, Oct. 3 and 10
1 to 4 p.m.
YEMS-0005-203, $69
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Story Writing
Improve writing skills as you develop techniques to author an original story. Start by learning the components of a well-written piece, then apply the process to create your own story, complete with illustrations. Instructor: Sevim Memisovski
Saturdays, Nov. 11 to Dec. 5 (no class Nov. 28)
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
YEMS-0001-030, $79
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Speaking Confidently
Learn to express yourself confidently in public. Supportive group exercises are aimed at helping to put more punch into your arguments, style and delivery. Instructor: Sevim Memisovski
Saturdays, Sept. 12 to 26
9 to 11 a.m.
YEMS-0001-015, $79
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Tech Explorers: Design, Code & Create
New Course, check it out: Students will build practical technology skills through fun, hands-on digital projects using Google Docs, Slides, Sheets and Drawings. Along the way, they'll create digital art, explore beginner coding concepts and strengthen creativity, problem-solving and confidence with technology. Instructor: Sevim Memisovski
Wednesdays, Nov. 4 to Nov. 18
6 to 7:30 p.m.
YEMS-0005-012, $49
Naperville Center
Summer Explorer Camps
College of DuPage has many fun-filled and engaging summer camp programs for children entering kindergarten through grade ten. Summer camp options include:
- Explorer Camps (Grades K-5)
- Counselor Training Program (Grades 7-10)
- Teen X-Treme Camps (Grades 7-10)
- STEAM Ventures (Grades 1-5 morning camps)
Grade Levels
- Camps are offered according to the grade level a child will be entering in the Fall 2026 term.
- Children must be a minimum of five years of age by May 31, 2026 and enrolled in kindergarten in the Fall 2026 term to participate in Youth Academy camps.
Summer Class Supervision
Lunch Supervision
If your child is attending a morning and an afternoon class, you must enroll them in Supervision in order for them to remain on campus between classes. Please see the course code for “supervision” listed each week. The fee listed for each week covers lunch supervision and before and after supervision for each day the enrolled camp meets that week.
Before and After Supervision
Before Supervision begins at 7 a.m. at the Glen Ellyn campus (7:30 a.m. at the Naperville Center) and ends when morning programs begin. After Supervision begins when camps or afternoon courses conclude. All students must be signed out by 5:30 p.m.
Students not enrolled in Supervision may be dropped off up to 10 minutes before the start of class and must be picked up within 10 minutes of the end of class.
Sharpen Your Edge
Expand your skills, further your career and discover interests that enhance your life.
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