Youth Academy High School Classes

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. View the current Summer 2025 Schedule.

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 9 to 13 
1 to 4 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-115, $179
Berg Instructional Center (BIC)

Drone Flying for Teens

Come fly with us! Explore the many uses of drones in real estate, law enforcement, photography and more. Learn about drone safety and FAA regulations. Students will have hands-on experience flying mini drones and will gain the skills necessary to prepare for the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). Students must be at least 13 years of age to fly a drone and take the exam. Instructor: Dan Chong

Monday through Wednesday, July 14 to 16
1 to 4 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-140, $149
Homeland Security Education Center (HEC)

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, July 14 to 17 
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 7 to 10
 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, June 23 to 26
9 a.m. to noon
YEHSC-0003-125, $199
McAninch Arts Center (MAC)

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 14 to 17 
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 21 to 24 
9 a.m. to noon
YEHSC-0003-127, $199
McAninch Arts Center (MAC)

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 21 to 24 
1 to 4 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-128, $199
McAninch Arts Center (MAC)

Healthcare Exploration

Experience healthcare firsthand in this immersive program for high school students! Explore nursing, ophthalmology, sterile processing, and surgical technology using professional equipment in our state-of-the-art simulated labs. Gain hands-on skills, interact with healthcare professionals, and discover potential career paths in this limited enrollment camp.

Monday to Wednesday; July 28 to 30
1 to 4 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-120, $149
Health and Science Center (HSC)

Make to Market

Gain essential skills in product creation, social media marketing, and branding and turn your ideas into a custom product! In this hands-on course, you’ll design and create your own bag—a stylish tote, sleek computer case, or versatile pouch—and learn how to promote it like industry professionals. Master styling techniques and fine tune your communication skills that will empower you to build, market, and sell your unique creation with confidence.

Friday, June 13 to Aug. 1 (no class 7/4)
9 a.m. to noon
YEHSC-0003-136, $199
Student Resource Center (SRC)

Merchandising Magic 

Unleash your creativity in this hands-on workshop and learn to design eye-catching store windows from start to finish! Using mannequins, props, and DIY setups, learn how to style and showcase apparel and accessories with your unique touch. Pick a theme, build a backdrop, and bring your vision to life with outfits, accessories, and props to activate a store (campus) window. Family members are invited to see the windows and celebrate the completed work at the end of the camp. 

Monday to Thursday, June 23 to 26
Noon to 3 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-132, $199
Student Resource Center (SRC)

Pattern Design for Fashion

Dive into the exciting world of fashion print design! Students will create a unique theme and then bring it to life with hand-drawn art using traditional coloring media. Learn essential Adobe Photoshop skills such as cleaning print elements, using layer palette and mastering the basics of creating seamless repeat prints! By the end, you’ll have a 45" x 1-yard printed fabric featuring your custom design! You will learn how to utilize a digital fabric printer to print out a 45” x 1 yard fabric. Students will have the opportunity to showcase their masterpieces to family and friends at the final presentation.

Monday to Friday, July 14 to 18
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-134, $199
Student Resource Center (SRC)

Fashion Design–Printed Tote Bag

Looking for a creative outlet to show off your style? Learn the basics of cutting fabric and using a sewing machine, and then dive into designing your own artwork and logos to print and create your own unique tote bag. Gain an understanding of design elements, fashion principles, screen printing and material assembly. Wrap up the experience by showcasing your one-of-a-kind creation at a mini-exhibition for friends and family. 

Monday to Friday, July 21 to 25
1 to 4 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-138, $199
Student Resource Center (SRC)

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 on how to work with Windows, from the settings of the system to its built-in repair tools. Explore what makes Windows tick and how to make the most popular operating system in the world work for you.

Monday and Wednesdays, July 7 to 16
9 a.m. to 12:30 pm.
YEHSC-0003-103, $179
Seaton Computing Center (SCC)

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 9 to 13 
9 a.m. to noon
YEHSC-0003-112, $179
On Campus Glen Ellyn

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 23 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 9 to 12 
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 increase 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 23 to 26 
9 a.m. to noon
YEHSC-0003-111, $199
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 23 to 26 
12 to 3 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-118, $249
Culinary & Hospitality Center (CHC)

Monday to Thursday, July 14 to 17 
12 to 3 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-137, $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 7 to 10 
12 to 3 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 7 to 10 
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 Wednesday, June 16 to 18
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 14 to 17
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 28 to 31 
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.

Monday to Thursday, July 28 to 31
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
YEHSC-0003-210, $299
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. All parents must submit a Emergency Medical Release Form to youthacademy@cod.edu upon registration. 

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. 

One day in the summer program equates to one week in the regular school year. Each course is equivalent to 60 contact hours. Students need to complete both semesters to qualify for one year of credit. 

Registration for Semester 1 classes has ended. Semester 2 class registration end on Thursday, June 26. Classes will close as soon as the class meet capacity so early registration is encouraged!

Before registering, please make sure you read the attendance and refund policy outlined in the Parent/Student Handbook and the Program Guide.

First Semester Dates

Monday through Friday, June 9 - 27 (no class 6/19)

• AM classes: 7:45 a.m.-12:05 p.m.
• PM classes: 12:30 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.

Second Semester Dates

Monday through Friday, July 7 -25

• AM classes: 8 a.m. - noon
• PM classes: 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

In-Person Class Offerings

• Algebra 1
• Algebra 2 with Trigonometry (PM)
• Geometry
• Pre-Calculus

Hybrid Class Offerings

(part in-person, part asynchronous online)

• Chemistry
• Physics

Online Class Offerings

(asynchronous via Blackboard)

• US History
• Spanish 1, 2 and 3

To register call (630) 942-2208 or online via Instant Enrollment. 

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

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. Course will address strategies for the new online format. All students will receive a workbook. 

Monday and Wednesday, July 28 through Aug. 6
6 to 8:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-112, $169
On Campus in Glen Ellyn

Monday and Wednesday, June 9 through 18 
1 to 3:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-110, $169
Naperville center

Tuesday and Thursday, July 29 through Aug. 7 
6 to 8:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-113, $169
Westmont Center

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. All students will receive a workbook. 

Tuesday and Thursday, June 3 through 12
6 to 8:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-116, $169
On Campus in Glen Ellyn

Monday and Wednesdays, June 23 through July 2
1 to 3:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-114, $169
Naperville Center

Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 24 through July 3
6 to 8:30 p.m.
YEHSC-0004-115, $169
Westmont Center

To register call (630) 942-2208 or online via Instant Enrollment. Always register your student using the parent email and cellphone number. All parents must submit a Emergency Medical Release Form to youthacademy@cod.edu upon registration. 

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

In partnership with Innovation DuPage and COD’s Business and Applied Technology division, E2 Emerging Entrepreneurs is a free, six-week workshop series for entrepreneurial-curious high school and college students (ages 16+).