Jumpstart Pathways includes diverse opportunities to earn valuable knowledge, skills, college credit and certification that can be leveraged for students pursuing any of the Learn. Plan. Succeed. Postsecondary Pathways, including college, employment, military, apprenticeship, gap year and job training programs.
Program Registration
To register for Jumpstart Pathways programs, follow the directions in the Program Registration Guide.
Registration is open to motivated Rising Juniors and Rising Seniors at public, charter, and options schools in Chicago who demonstrate:
- An interest or passion in exploring one of the career pathways
- A commitment to personal and professional development
- Consistency in their attendance and how they show up for academic pursuits
- An academic achievement record indicating ability to meet course objectives
- A desire to prepare for the future while completing what is required for graduation
- Support from a counselor or postsecondary advisor in their school community
Jumpstart Pathways
For detailed information about Jumpstart Pathways, view the Program Resources Guide.
- Automotive Technology
- Aviation Maintenance Technician
- Business Accounting
- Child Development: Early Education
- Community Health Worker
- Computer-Aided Drawing Technology
- Criminal Justice: Public Police Service
- Cybersecurity
- Diesel Technology
- Education
- Global Citizens
- Human Development & Family Services
- Manufacturing Technology
- Marketing/Management
- Personal Fitness Trainer
- Supply Chain Management & Logistics
City College of Chicago Campus Partners
For detailed information about campus partners for Jumpstart Pathways, view the Campus Opportunities Guide.
- Harold Washington College
- Olive-Harvey College
- Harry S. Truman College
- Richard J. Daley College
- Kennedy King College
- Wilbur Wright College
- Malcolm X College
- Arturo Velasquez Institute
Jumpstart Pathways Course Plans
1-Year Course Plan
- Complete a pathway during one academic year, take a total of 4-6 courses during the summer, fall and spring semesters.
- Students who plan to pursue a 1-year course plan must seek counselor approval for a reduced high school course load to accommodate the rigor of taking two college courses at a time.
2-Year Course Plan
- Complete a pathway just one class at a time every semester, complete a total of 4-6 courses taken during the next two academic years, starting this summer.
- Students who plan to pursue a 2-year course plan must complete the courses outside of school time on the evenings or weekends unless otherwise approved by your counselor.
Program Support
- Financial support includes free tuition, CTA transportation, and textbooks, undocumented students are able to access full financial support.
- Success support includes group and individual engagement with CPS Jumpstart Student Support Team, from registration through to completion.
- Students will have access to all of City College of Chicago’s campus-based and virtual student resources, including early college advising, academic tutoring, information and technology services, student life and campus involvement, career services, health and wellness services and access to campus facilities, including libraries, gymnasiums and technology centers.