College Arts Access Program

Art and Design Program for Chicago Public Schools Students

Ready to take your art to the next level? The School of the Art Institute of Chicago's College Arts Access Program (CAAP) gives Chicago Public Schools high school students a three-year, fully funded head start on a career in art and design. Earn college credit, learn from professional artists and designers, and build your portfolio—with all tuition, supplies, meals, and transportation 100 percent covered. Apply as a freshman, create through senior year, and prepare to succeed in college and beyond.

Benefits of Participating in CAAP

At CAAP, your ideas matter, your creativity is celebrated, and your potential is limitless.

Earn college credits: Up to six credits for free, giving you a head start on college-level coursework.
Support provided: Meals, transportation (Ventra passes), and art supplies each term.
Mentorship: Work alongside SAIC undergraduate and graduate students who guide your creative growth and share insights into college and the art world.
Co-curricular experiences: National Portfolio Day, mentor-led lunches, and field trips to Chicago museums and cultural centers.
College prep: Workshops and presentations for students and caregivers to support every step of the college application process.
Community: Build lifelong relationships with your cohort, mentors, and SAIC instructors while exploring your creativity and collaborating across disciplines.

A group of five students stand looking at artwork on a wall.

How to Apply to CAAP

Here’s what you’ll need:
3–5 samples of your artwork or design projects. You may include sketches, works in progress, writing, inspiration boards, or other media. Take risks and be inventive!
A 300- to 500-word essay about yourself and your interest in art and design. Audio or video essays accepted.
Financial documentation: Proof of household financial need (e.g., 1040 tax forms, disability or Medicaid approval letters, SNAP benefits, HUD public housing documentation, or unemployment documentation).
High school transcripts
High school attendance record
One teacher recommendation

Due April 10—don’t miss your chance! SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION HERE.
First-year CPS high school students with financial need.

Documents that demonstrate the household's economic situation include a disability or Medicaid approval letter, verification of eligibility for school meals, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, documentation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding participation in the public housing program, or unemployment documentation. Students should work with caregivers to collect these materials
The CAAP Application opens in October and closes in April. The CAAP Review Committee evaluates applications in May. Finalists will be invited to interview in the summer.

Application FAQ

Your portfolio is a way to show who you are as an artist and how you express your ideas. You can include things like:
Sketchbook pages or works in progress
Finished drawings, paintings, photos, videos, or digital art
Writing samples or inspiration boards
You don’t need to stick to one type of art—try different materials or ideas. Choose 3–5 pieces that best represent your personal style and creativity.
Your essay should be about one page (around 350–500 words). There’s no strict limit, so just focus on expressing your ideas clearly.

If you prefer, you can submit your essay as an audio or video recording instead of writing it—choose the format that feels best for you.
Yes, you can still apply. However, once you’re in the program, you’ll need to keep up good grades and attendance at your CPS high school. Each spring, CAAP staff will request your transcript and attendance record to ensure you’re meeting those expectations.
Our staff is happy to help answer application questions! Contact the CAAP team for help at 312.629.6170 or caap@saic.edu.