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Youth Academy

Youth Academy offers a range of courses, camps, and programs designed for young learners to high school students. Through continuing education, we provide a fun, supportive environment where youth can explore new interests, develop valuable skills, and prepare for future academic and career success.

Meet the Youth Academy team, explore offerings and find the perfect program to ignite your child’s passion and potential.

Register online through Instant Enrollment or contact Continuing Education at (630) 942-2208 to get started.

Programs for All Ages

Youth Enrichment classes and Summer Explorer camps are offered throughout the year for students in elementary and middle school. Explore exciting STEM topics or gain additional practice in school subjects.

The Elementary Excellence program offers summer classes offered from third to fifth grade for academically gifted students scoring in the ninetieth percentile.

Please note: The Talent Search program has transitioned to serve grades 3 to 5 through Elementary Excellence programming and grades 7 and 8 in Junior High Achievers programming.

Merit Badge Camps

Earn your Boy Scouts of America merit badges at COD. Camps are led by a certified merit badge counselor and different topics will be offered throughout the year.  Contact the Youth Coordinator at youthacademy@cod.edu with your student's name, age and phone number to be added to the wait list.

Students entering sixth, seventh, and eighth grades are invited to join Junior High Achievers, a summer program designed to engage them in high school-level coursework alongside their peers. Classes are structured to reflect high school standards, providing an enriching academic experience.

  • Youth Academy High School Classes offer high school credit courses for credit, advancement, or enrichment throughout the summer. Visit cod.edu/cehighschool for more information.
  • Career Academy summer courses partner with our credit divisions to give students a hand-on, immersive experience for college and career pathways.
  • Success Series courses are offered year-round at three of our campus locations: main Glen Ellyn, Naperville and Westmont.  These courses will help your student increase their academic success and prepare for the rigor of high school and college courses.
  • Test Prep - ACT and SAT group test prep courses are offered year-round at three of our campus locations: main Glen Ellyn, Naperville and Westmont.  

  • Private tutoring is available for high school students in most courses including AP, Honors and Test Prep. Expert instructors hold a minimum of a Bachelor's degree and are selected based on their subject matter expertise. 

Private tutoring is available for high school students in most subject areas including AP, Honors and Test Prep.  Help your student achieve academic success and fill out a Student Inquiry form today.

Registration 

Parents can register their student online via CE Instant Enrollment or call the CE registration staff at 630-942-2208 to register over the phone.  Parents must register students with a parent email and cell phone number.  Do not use the student's school email address.  Course updates and information will be sent to the parent's personal email address. 

Required Forms

All students registered in Youth Enrichment, Talent Search or Summer Camp in-person programs must have a completed Student Code of Conduct and Medical Release Form on file on the first day of their camp or class. Parents and guardians may bring completed copies of these required forms on the first day or complete them during sign-in. High school programs have a separate set of required forms, find more information at cod.edu/cehighschool

Online Classes

All online courses require access to a reliable internet connection, a personal computer, web cam, and microphone. Registered students are required to submit online waivers for program. All students must have a completed copy of the Youth Academy Online Waiver on file at least two business days prior to the start of class. Completed forms should be emailed to youthacademy@cod.edu

Summer 2026 Hiring Information

Continuing Education is hiring for Summer 2026 Youth Programs at the main campus in Glen Ellyn, as well as the Naperville and Westmont Center. All positions are hourly and part-time unless otherwise stated. Hiring will begin in February 2026.

Cancellations and Refunds 

In the event of a class cancellation or student drop, College of DuPage Continuing Education will issue a refund to the name associated with the enrolled course. In order for a parent to receive the refund in their name, they will need to complete the following Parent Refund Form for Youth Academy Participants. This form needs to be completed no later than one week after the payment has been made for the course.

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 Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Office hours may vary due to holidays and staff coverage.