School of the Art Institute of Chicago Pre-College Summer Art Intensives (ECPSI)

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago Pre-College Summer Art Intensives (ECPSI) are residential and commuter summer courses for high-school students that offer credit-bearing art and design instruction. Participants work with practicing faculty and visiting artists, prepare portfolios, participate in exhibitions, and may earn college credit that can transfer to other institutions. The program offers on-campus housing, museum access, and opportunities for admissions advising for applicants to SAIC.

Earn college credit; portfolio feedback and admissions advising; access to the Art Institute of Chicago collections; participation in a public exhibition; on-campus housing available; merit scholarships (up to $1,200) and need-based aid for eligible US residents.

Applicants must be at least 15 years old, no older than 18, and must have completed their sophomore year of high school. International students are welcome; some visa categories (e.g. F-1) may require an I-20 from SAIC.

Apply/ register online via the SAIC ECPSI site; submit portfolio materials for merit scholarship consideration by March 1 and select need-based aid at registration to receive instructions.