Group of high school students

Youth Academy High School Classes

The Youth Academy, High School program at College of DuPage has a full range of options to continue and enhance teens' intellectual curiosity and scholarly progress throughout the year.

Our Continuing Education class options are taught by Illinois State Board of Education, high school certified instructors that possess up-to-date Illinois Professional Licensure. 

Our mission is to serve district youth in high school coursework by providing high school credit summer school, ACT/SAT test preparation classes and one-on-one tutoring. COD is the place to be to get ahead, review and prepare for high school and early college success!

Registration Information

  • Register using Instant Enrollment.
  • Registration for courses closes one week prior to class start.
  • Register your student using the parent email and cell phone number. Do not use the student's school email address. 
  • Registration is not complete until you submit the required forms to youthacademy@cod.edu. Required forms can be found on the links below. 
  • Questions?  Email youthacademy@cod.edu or call (630) 942-2208

Student and Parent Handbook

Students that are registered for a summer high school credit course or Junior High Achievers course must read the parent and student handbook before the start of classes. A parent or guardian will sign off on the acknowledgment of this document on the Grade Release Form.

High School Student and Parent Handbook

Required Forms

All in-person courses will require parents to complete and submit the Emergency Contact and Liability Waiver.  Parents enrolling their student in high school credit and Junior High Achiever courses will need to complete the Grade Release Form and Emergency Contact form, even if you are not taking the course for credit.  Parents enrolling their student in a non-credit (enrichment) course will need to complete the Emergency Contact form. Parents registering their student for an online course must submit a complete Online Youth Wavier as well.  After registering for the courses, please complete and submit your required forms to youthacademy@cod.edu. at least one week prior to class starting. 

High School Course Options

Click on the "+" sign next to each program category below to see specific course details.

Career Academy courses are week-long camps that are offered during the summer term.  These courses are taught by COD faculty and are a great way to introduce career pathways and college majors to high school students.  These career-focused courses enable a student to gain an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at inspiring fields and programs.  

Creative Writing 

Delve into the world of creative writing and explore
techniques for non-fiction, poetry, fiction writing
and skill-building applicable to all genres, including
the college entrance essay. Each day will focus
on a separate craft: flash fiction and memoir,
poetic techniques, and fiction writing. Explore the
creative process, from brainstorming, first draft
and revision to a final product that captures and
delights your audience. Students will discover how
written expression allows for self-reflection, global
awareness and diverse perspectives. The final day
includes a light lunch and an alumni panel from
the Creative Writing Certificate program to discuss
paths to publication.

Tuesday and Wednesday, June 25 and 26,
10 a.m. to noon
and Thursday, June 27, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (light lunch included on this day)
YEHSC-0003-130, $179
On campus in Glen Ellyn

CompTIA A+

Enhance your knowledge of computer hardware and software. Take a deeper dive into the inner workings of computer systems, from laptops to desktops. In addition, enhance your knowledge of how to work with Windows, the most popular operating system in the world, including its system settings and built-in repair tools.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday, July 15 to 19
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-103, $179
Seaton Computing Center (SCC)

Cybersecurity

Understand the implications of the choices we make in our everyday lives when using technology. Engage in discussions regarding online safety, privacy, risks, vulnerabilities, cryptography and networking.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday, June 10 to 14
1 to 4 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-115, $179
Berg Instructional Center (BIC)

Graphic Design Boot Camp

Gain an introduction to basic design concepts using both digital and traditional media. Build experience and learn about the creative process graphic designers use in their work. Create a hands-on project from initial concept to final print.

Monday to Thursday, June 24 to 27
1 to 4 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-122, $199
McAninch Arts Center (MAC)

Adobe Illustrator Boot Camp

Learn how graphic designers use Adobe Illustrator to create complex illustrations from pencil sketches. Gain an introduction to basic illustration and color theory principles as you create a complex illustration and present it in three color versions. No prior Illustrator experience is required.

Monday to Thursday, July 8 to 11
9 a.m. to noon
YEHSC-0003-123, $199
McAninch Arts Center (MAC)

Adobe Photoshop Boot Camp

Explore the use of design principles and basic Photoshop tools to create image composites. Experiment with the fundamentals of Photoshop compositing with a variety of exercises leading to the completion of a final collage. No prior Photoshop experience is required.

Monday to Thursday, July 15 to 18
9 a.m. to noon
YEHSC-0003-125, $199
McAninch Arts Center (MAC)

IT Administration

Understand what it takes to be an IT administrator. Explore the growing industry of computer technology and get hands-on experience with PC hardware, network setup, virtualization, servers and security.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday, June 10 to 14
9 a.m. to noon
YEHSC-0003-112, $179
Berg Instructional Center (BIC)

PC Break It/Fix It

Gain insights into desktop and laptop computer maintenance and repair. Learn about data recovery, system restore,  and virus detection and removal. Learn how to disassemble and assemble a traditional desktop computer, along with laptop systems. Understand the importance of tuning up your PC to get it running like new again. Also, learn how to create system images and backup your most important data, including pictures, documents and music.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday, June 24 to 27
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-102, $179
Seaton Computing Center (SCC)

Teen Improv

Have you ever imagined yourself on stage? Maybe you want to practice being comfortable speaking in front of a group. Take the plunge in a supportive, fun-filled environment! Explore the fundamentals of acting through improvisation, including character development, creative thinking, confidence building, active listening and team building. Build foundational skills through interactive games and exercises.

Monday to Thursday, June 10 to 13
9 to 11:50 a.m.
YEHSC-0003-109, $199
McAninch Arts Center (MAC)

Social Media Marketing

Don’t miss this overview of social media marketing tools, platforms and strategies used to boost awareness, expand customer base and promote business. Learn about brand image and how to form a marketing message using social media simulations to boost image awareness. Explore the differences between features and benefits and identify ways to problem-solve and use emotions in marketing messages. Instructor: Mary Carlson

Monday to Thursday, June 24 to 27
1 to 4 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-111, $199
Berg Instructional Center (BIC)

You Got This!

Develop and tap into the interpersonal skills needed to navigate workplace challenges and forge a path towards professional success and satisfaction. Learn essential skills required in the workforce such as communication, team building, critical thinking and professionalism. This class offers online modules led by Associate Professor Mary Carlson, with videos, advice from industry experts, quizzes, assessment, activities and animated work scenarios. A laptop or tablet is recommended.

Monday to Wednesday, June 10 to 12
1 to 4 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-110, $179
Berg Instructional Center (BIC)

Culinary Boot Camp

Start your food journey at COD! Whether you are interested in becoming a food critic, professional chef or restaurateur, this is the place to be. Our summer camps are taught by industry professionals and give passionate culinarians a preview of careers in the culinary arts. The four-day camp, held in COD’s state-of-the-art Culinary & Hospitality Center, offers hands-on experience in knife skills and culinary and baking techniques. On days one through three, we’ll focus on a specific discipline (cooking, baking or cold food preparation), and on day four, we’ll showcase student creations. Parents must notify the Youth Academy of any food allergies no later than one week prior to class start. Email youthacademy@cod.edu with any allergies or concerns. 

Monday to Thursday, June 24 to 27
1 to 4 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-118, $249
Culinary & Hospitality Center (CHC)

Pastry Chef 101

Explore pastry arts this summer! Geared toward high school students and taught by industry professionals, our summer camp provides passionate young culinarians with a preview of careers in the pastry arts. The four-day camp, held in COD’s state-of-the-art Culinary & Hospitality Center, offers hands-on experience in the basics of baking techniques. Each day, we will focus on a different recipe and the skills needed for making cupcakes, chocolate caramel tarts and much more. Parents must notify the Youth Academy of any food allergies no later than one week prior to class start. Email youthacademy@cod.edu with any allergies or concerns. 

Monday to Thursday, July 8 to 11
1 to 4 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-116, $249
Culinary & Hospitality Center (CHC)

Photography Exploration

Gain hands-on training for a career in photography. During photographic shoots both inside a studio and on location, you’ll practice composition, lighting and DSLR camera operation. Learn about basic Photoshop processing and printing. Produce your own mini portfolio of creative images and feature them in a pop-up photography show at the end of the week. Please bring a DSLR camera. If you do not have a camera, one can be provided for use during class time.

Monday to Thursday, July 8 to 11
1 to 4 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-124, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Business and Entrepreneurship Boot Camp

Gain an intensive introduction to business and entrepreneurship in the real world—and discover how both can be fun and exciting. Explore the basics of major business disciplines, including accounting, marketing, finance and management. Study the core concepts of business, including leadership, professional image, etiquette, team building and strategy. Learn what it takes to embody an entrepreneurial mindset, which benefits you now and in the future. A Shark Tank-style pitch competition will take place on the final day of the session! 

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, June 17 to 20 (no class on Wednesday, June 19)

1 to 4 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-117, $179
Berg Instructional Center (BIC)

Stock Market Boot Camp

Delve into the stock market and learn about different types of stocks and how to analyze them. Practice stock analysis and learn about the risks and benefits involved when selecting a stock and portfolio.

Monday to Thursday, July 15 to 18
1 to 4 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-119, $199
Berg Instructional Center (BIC)

3D CAD Solid Modeling

Learn SolidWorks software and techniques to produce three-dimensional solids. Emphasis will be placed on creating and rendering 3D solid models, modifying, editing commands and dimensioning. This exploratory course is a good starting point for students interested in design and/or engineering. 

Monday to Thursday, July 29 to Aug. 1
12:30 to 4 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-108, $299
Technical Education Center (TEC)

Weld On!

Students learn about welding, metal fabrication and safety measures from COD faculty through a mixture of lectures and hands-on competencies designed to foster a deeper appreciation of the trade. The program highlights training and helps students map out career goals. Guest lectures will lend insight on the latest industrial metal working equipment. 

Monday to Thursday, July 22 to 25
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-210, $349
Technical Education Center (TEC)

To register call (630) 942-2208 or online via Instant Enrollment. Always register your student using the parent email and cellphone number.

Engage in inspiring courses that will encourage creativity and exploration this summer. Join our distinguished faculty and explore your interests or discover a new passion!

Beginning Sewing

Students of all skill levels are encouraged to register for this class to learn how to use a sewing machine and create a basic project. Fundamentals covered include using a pattern, reading a guide sheet and creating seams. Sewing machines are available in the classroom. Students who wish to use their personal machine in class should know basic machine operation and will need to bring in the owner’s manual. Some supplies will be provided, and an additional supply list will be emailed before the first class. 

Monday to Friday, July 8 to 12
1 to 4 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-134, $249
Student Resource Center (SRC)

Conversational Italian

Students learn practical, elementary conversational skills based on comprehension of basic grammar and correct pronunciation of basic Italian. Learn practical vocabulary, including numbers and days of the week. The class helps you introduce yourself, describe how you’re feeling and engage in conversations regarding your personal life. Participants learn the correct pronunciation and sentence structure necessary to understand and begin to formulate conversations in Italian. 

Wednesday, June 12 to July 24
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0001-805, $199
Berg Instructional Center (BIC)

Conversational Japanese

Students learn practical, elementary conversational skills based on comprehension of basic grammar and correct pronunciation. This level is for students who have not studied Japanese before. In this seven-week class, learn some basic conversational skills, such as greetings, counting and simple everyday phrases. Also, learn to read and recognize hiragana characters. The goal of the class is to begin to speak Japanese and enjoy the learning process. Required book: “Japanese for Busy People,” (ISBN: 978-1568363844)

Thursday, June 13 to July 25
10 a.m. to noon
YEHSC-0001-801, $199
Berg Instructional Center (BIC)

Crafting With Cricut

Students will use Adobe Illustrator to create their own unique designs. Using a Cricut digital die cut machine, students will bring their project to life by creating their own sticker series. 

Monday to Thursday, July 15 to 18
1 to 4 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-126, $199
McAninch Arts Center (MAC)

Digital Illustration With Procreate®

Procreate® is a powerful and intuitive digital illustration app used by many industry professionals. Students will learn to use Procreate® software on provided iPads to create a series of three related illustrations.

Monday to Thursday, July 22 to 25
9 a.m. to noon
YEHSC-0003-127, $199
McAninch Arts Center (MAC)

Japanese Art History

Experience Japanese culture through paintings and historical backgrounds. Discover how artists incorporated history, world affairs and fashion into their paintings. Learn how the main characters from classical Japanese literature and Kabuki are represented in the Japanese Arts. Explore famous Japanese ukiyo-e and classical stories and learn how famous artists like Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh and Gustav Klimt were influenced by Japanese art.

Thursday, June 13 to 27
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-120, $49
Berg Instructional Center (BIC)

Laser Cut Technology Exploration

Laser cut technology is a unique way to precisely cut various materials. Students will design, sketch and complete a laser cut project.

Monday to Thursday, July 22 to 25
1 to 4 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-128, $199
McAninch Arts Center (MAC)

To register call (630) 942-2208 or online via Instant Enrollment. Always register your student using the parent email and cellphone number.

Prepare for the next step of your academic success and learn how to manage the workload and expectations of high school and college courses.

Spring '24:

Common App Essay Workshop

Get help with your college applications and scholarships by creating a working draft of your Common App essay in this writing workshop. This essay can also be a part of any scholarship application. This class will address this year’s prompts, develop a draft, and begin the editing process in a comfortable, supportive setting. Work one-on-one with the instructor and with your peers to create this important personal essay. Leave the class with a working draft that is ready for a final review by a parent, teacher or counselor. Time permitting; we may also workshop their supplement essays. Students are encouraged to bring a rough draft or outline of ideas to class.

Monday and Wednesday, May 6 and 8
6 to 8 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-001, $99
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Summer '24:

Common App Essay Workshop

Get help with your college applications and scholarships by creating a working draft of your Common App essay in this writing workshop. The essay also can be a part of any scholarship application. Participants will examine this year’s prompts, develop a draft and begin the editing process in a supportive setting. Work one-on-one with an instructor and your peers to create this important personal essay. At the end of the course, students will have a working draft that is ready for final review by a parent, teacher or counselor. Time permitting, we also may workshop students’ supplement essays. Students are encouraged to bring a rough draft or outline of ideas to class. 

Tuesday and Thursday, July 23 and 25
6 to 8 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-303, $69 
Westmont Center (WC)

Monday and Wednesday, July 29 and 31
6 to 8 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-302, $69 
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Tuesday and Thursday, July 30 and Aug. 1
6 to 8 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-304, $69
Naperville Center (NC)

Note-Taking and Outlining

Because taking high-quality class notes is imperative for academic success, it is important to master the fundamentals of note-taking. Learn to discern important and relevant material and concentrate on the process of effectively organizing notes.

Monday, July 15
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-140, $29
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Tuesday, July 16
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-160, $29
Westmont Center (NC)

Tuesday, July 23
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-150, $29
Naperville Center (NC)

Test-Taking and Group Study Strategies

Understand how to better prepare for tests, learn techniques to improve exam performance and minimize test anxiety. You’ll learn how to improve your test scores by taking specific actions, like practicing critical reading, making margin notes and following strategies based on types of questions. This project-based course involves group assignments to help students develop interpersonal skills, navigate group dynamics and gain strategies for organization and task completion.

Wednesday, July 17
6 to 7 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-141, $29
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Thursday, July 18
6 to 7 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-161, $29
Westmont Center (WC)

Wednesday, July 24
6 to 7 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-151, $29
Naperville Center (NC)

Time Management

There’s no better time than high school to learn how to wisely manage your schedule. Mastering strategies now will help you attain a healthy work/life balance that will benefit you during high school and for the rest of your life. 

Wednesday, July 17
7 to 8 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-143, $29
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Thursday, July 18
7 to 8 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-163, $29
Westmont Center (WC)

Wednesday, July 24
7 to 8 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-153, $29
Naperville Center (NC)

Writing Workshop

Writing papers is an integral part of high school and college. The process and expectations in high school are different from those in middle school. Learn strategies to improve your writing and generate fresh and compelling ideas. Focus on sentence structure, punctuation and grammar.

Monday, July 15
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-144, $49
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Tuesday, July 16
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-164, $49
Westmont Center (WC)

Tuesday, July 23
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-154, $49
Naperville Center (NC)

To register call (630) 942-2208 or online via Instant Enrollment. Always register your student using the parent email and cellphone number.

College of DuPage Continuing Education provides a summer school program that offers high school credit courses to incoming freshmen and current high school students. The summer program is an extension of the regular academic program, designed to provide students with opportunities to gain academic credit, for advancement or to explore interests by auditing a class.

Summer 2024 

Semester 1: Monday through Friday; June 10 to 28th (no class 6/19)

Semester 2: Monday through Friday; July 8 to July 26

The full schedule of classes is available on PG. 40 of the summer program guide.  

Cost: $379 per course; $389 for lab courses (Biology, Chemistry, Physics). Textbooks not included. 

Courses Available

  • Algebra I
  • Geometry
  •  Algebra II w/Trigonometry
  • Precalculus
  • English IX
  • Speech
  • Spanish I, II and III
  • French I
  • American Sign Language (ASL) I
  • Consumer Economics
  • U.S. History
  • American Government
  • Biology
  • Chemistry  
  • Physics

To register call (630) 942-2208 or online via Instant Enrollment. Always register your student using the parent email and cellphone number. 

Reach your highest potential with test prep and private tutoring options. Prepare for the new digital format for the SAT.  We recommend registering for a group test prep session before requesting private tutoring.  Group test prep courses focus on test taking strategies. Now offered in three locations: Glen Ellyn, Naperville and Westmont!

Spring '24:

SAT Test Preparation

Review math, reading and English usage in preparation for the SAT exam. Students become familiar with SAT questions, develop test-taking strategies, increase confidence and speed, and get a review of test content. Students must bring writing utensil, calculator and paper for the course. No textbook. Course will address strategies for the new online format. 

Monday to Wednesday, April 22 to 24
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-113, $149
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Monday to Wednesday, May 20 to 22
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-114, $149
Westmont Center

Summer '24

Monday to Wednesday, June 10 to 12
12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-110, $149
Naperville Center (NC)

Monday to Wednesday, June 10 to 12
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-112, $149
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Monday to Wednesday, June 24 to 26
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-113, $149
Westmont Center (WC)

ACT Test Preparation

Review math, science reasoning, reading and English usage in preparation for the ACT exam. The course includes an introduction to the ACT writing section. Students become familiar with ACT questions, develop test-taking strategies, increase confidence and speed, and get a review of test content. No textbook. Course will address strategies for the new online format.  

Spring '24:
Monday to Wednesday, April 1 to 3
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-104, $149
Westmont Center

Monday to Wednesday, May 13 to 15
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-105, $149
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Summer '24:

Monday to Wednesday, June 24 to 26
12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-114, $149
Naperville Center (NC)

Monday to Wednesday, July 8 to 10
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-115, $149
Westmont Center (WC)

Monday to Wednesday, July 8 to 10
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-116, $149
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Common App Essay Workshop

Get help with your college applications by creating a working draft of your Common App essay in this writing workshop. Address this year’s prompts, develop a draft and begin the editing process in a
comfortable, supportive setting. Work one-on-one with the instructor and with your peers to create this important personal essay. Leave the class with a working draft that’s ready for a final review by a parent, teacher or counselor. Time permitting, you
may also workshop supplement essays. Students are encouraged to bring a rough draft or outline of ideas to class.

Spring '24:

Monday and Wednesday, May 6 and 8
6 to 8 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-001, $99
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Summer '24:

Tuesday and Thursday, July 23 and 25
6 to 8 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-303, $69 
Westmont Center (WC)

Monday and Wednesday, July 29 and 31
6 to 8 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-302, $69 
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Tuesday and Thursday, July 30 and Aug. 1
6 to 8 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-304, $69
Naperville Center (NC)

Private Tutoring

Private tutoring is available for ACT and SAT test prep. We recommend that students enroll in a group test prep class first. If there are certain content areas that the student would like to focus on, then private tutoring is recommended.

Tutoring is also available for most High School level courses (Algebra, Chemistry, ELA, Spanish, etc..).

Tutoring can be conducted online or in-person and any one of our campuses.  A mutually agreed upon public location between tutor and student can be also be used.

2 Hours - $119
4 Hours - $225
6 Hours - $299
8 Hours - $349

All interested community members must submit a tutor request by clicking on the link below or call (630) 942-2208. You can also email youthacademy@cod.edu

Review our tutoring process at cod.edu/test-prep-tutoring

If a tutor is available they will contact the student within 5 business days. 

In partnership with Innovation DuPage and COD’s Business and Applied Technology division, we are excited to announce a new program initiative that launched this past fall, E2 Emerging Entrepreneurs.

E2 Emerging Entrepreneurs is a free, six-week workshop series for entrepreneurial-curious high school and college students (ages 16+).

Details for spring opportunities will be posted soon! 

Please visit our website at cod.edu/e2

Please Note: Per COD policy, no student under the age of 16 can be left unattended on campus.  These students must have a parent or guardian over the age of 18 sign them in and out of the classroom. 

Summer Grades and Accessing Your Unofficial Transcripts

Students who wish to view final letter grades from previous non-credit summer terms may do so on the COD student portal. All final grades are viewable three (3) business days after the end of the semester. Information on how to access your unofficial transcript can be found on the Student Planning and myACCESS Assistance page under the Academics tab.

High School Refund Policy

A full refund will be issued if a student withdraws from classes at least 24 hours prior to class starting.  For classes beginning on a Monday, withdrawals need to be completed by the previous Thursday.  Full refunds will be given for classes that have been cancelled. Please contact the registration staff at (630) 942-2208 for assistance.

Refunds will not be issued for any of the following reasons:

  • If a student registers for class and does not attend.
  • If a student withdraws after the above mentioned withdrawal dates for any reason.
  • If a student is dropped for a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, online policies, or attendance policies.

Mailing List

Would you like to be added to the Continuing Education High School Mailing List? Complete our mailing list form.

Contact Information

Continuing Education
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1110
(630) 942-2208
Fax: (630) 942-3785
Email: CE@cod.edu

Front Desk Hours
  • Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Office hours may vary due to holidays and staff coverage.