College Arts Access Program
College Arts Access Program
With thanks to Chicago Public Schools and the support of a generous gift from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Foundation, SAIC offers the College Arts Access Program (CAAP), a three-year college bridge program for students committed to studying art and design. Developed to support exceptional students who demonstrate significant financial need, scholarships cover all program tuition, art supplies, transportation, and meals.
Designed as a multi-year, holistic program, CAAP prepares high school students with the skills needed for admission to the SAIC or another postsecondary institution. CAAP students who apply and are accepted into SAIC's undergraduate program are eligible for special scholarships and campus jobs.
Watch this video to learn more about SAIC's College Arts Access Program!
Interested in seeing CAAP student work? Check out the CAAP 2021 final exhibition site.
Academic Support
CAAP provides workshops on documenting artwork and writing an artist statement. Field trips, visiting artist presentations, and other extracurricular activities will add to the experience and encourage academic excellence.
Advising
Students work closely with SAIC faculty and staff throughout the program. They will answer questions and help students select elective coursework that relates to their interests and goals.
Mentorship
SAIC undergraduate students with proven leadership skills serve as role models and mentors for CPS students interested in following similar paths. Each mentor is matched with a small group of CAAP students, and they will work together for multiple semesters. Through continued dialogue and interaction, the advisors and mentors will fortify students’ commitment to the program and their work.
Financial Support
Holistic financial support is an integral part of this program. Funds are allocated for art supplies, transportation to and from all classes and events, and a meal plan. Students and their families will have the option to attend workshops/webinars that provide information about scholarships, grants, and financial aid applications.
Contact Us
Continuing Studies staff members are available Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CT at 312.629.6170 or cs@saic.edu to answer your questions. We are here to help!