College Readiness

Since 1998, the Center for Community Arts Partnerships has effectively connected college and community through its arts-based programs and initiatives. These programs help prepare young people for success in middle school, high school, college and beyond. CCAP is committed to making the possibility of higher education a reality for Chicago youth, by providing them with life skills and leadership opportunities they might not have had in the past. Through CCAP’s effective college readiness programs (GearUP from 1999-2005 and Saturday Scholars from 2003-2009), hundreds of Chicago students have not only gained awareness of Columbia College, but have also gained the skills and experience necessary to bring the dream of a college education to fruition.

CCAP’s commitment to positive youth development punctuates an underlying goal and expectation that students connected to higher education at an early stage of their development will continue their learning beyond their K-12 experience. This summer, CCAP will continue this commitment with the launch of a new arts-based college readiness program, ArtUP. ArtUP is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the arts and media, or applying to an arts college.