More than 50 percent of students attending classes as part of the Youth Academy at College of DuPage enroll in credit courses.  

Provided through the College’s Continuing Education program, Youth Academy programs offer a range of courses, camps and other offerings designed for young learners to high school students. More than 4,000 students enrolled in the Youth Academy during the summer of 2025, including 1,000 high school students. 

Associate Dean of Continuing Education Julie Konczyk said these programs provide a foundation for education that excites learners.  

“College of DuPage Youth Academy programs offer a unique opportunity for young students to explore and engage with our outstanding faculty and state-of-the-art learning labs,” she said. “From manufacturing and robotics to culinary arts, fashion studies and graphic design, our programs create high-impact learning environments where students of all ages feel welcome, excited and inspired to continue their educational journey with COD.”  

Youth Academy courses are offered at the College’s main Glen Ellyn campus as well as the Naperville and Westmont centers. Konczyk said summer term tends to be the busiest time for classes; however, the College also offers programming during the Spring and Fall terms. 

Some of the Youth Academy’s most popular classes include Jr. Bakeshop, Passport to Cooking and robotics- and STEM-based courses. Several offerings, such as Counselor in Training, Dungeons and Dragons, and Archery, were so successful that the College created a waitlist to expand access. 

To learn more about the Youth Academy, an open house event will be held Saturday, March 7, in the Student Resource Center, Room 1110. Register to attend the event. 

Learn more about Youth Academy program offerings at College of DuPage.