CHICAGO–Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students, staff, and parents will conclude another record-breaking school year on June 6. This year, CPS elementary students received national recognition for posting academic growth in reading and math and the Class of 2024 earned more than 55,000 hours of college credit and more than a billion dollars in scholarships to date. The District is now opening registration for a robust array of summer enrichment, transition, and partner programming opportunities that will help students continue learning, exploring their interests, and enjoying time with each other until school resumes on August 26.

“We want everyone to enjoy their summer break,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “Through the District’s programming and our City agencies and private partner organizations, we know our students will stay safe and engaged this summer, returning to school ready to succeed.”

CPS schools offer summer programming in three categories; academic, enrichment, and transition. The academic-based programs provide students with extra support in mastering essential concepts in core subjects and the largest of these programs is known as “Summer Bridge,” a program open to all CPS students, but specifically targeting those children who need extra academic support. The curriculum includes the core subjects of math and reading, but also hands-on experiences in both science and social studies.

This year’s Summer Bridge programming aims to be more localized, and more engaging. More than 420 elementary schools and more than 90 high schools will offer at least one summer program, with most offering more than two.  Some programming includes the Preview to Pre-K, FLL Robotics Camp, and Summer of Algebra, among many more.

Individual schools will offer campus-based summer sports programs at their discretion. The CPS Office of Sports Administration will continue to support high school-level summer athletic opportunities (clinics and tournaments), in coordination with schools and the Illinois High School Association. 

CPS continues to offer transition programs that help students prepare for the next level of their Pre-K-12 education journey. From June 26-July 26, incoming 9th graders across the District will have the opportunity to participate in a long-standing program called the “Freshman Connection,” which provides math and English instruction, covers graduation requirements and expectations, helps students brush up on their study skills, learn techniques for coping with stress, and even offers field trips. Freshman Connection is offered at nearly every high school; families can find their high school and apply here.

In addition, the District partners with city agencies and organizations to expand summer opportunities. This includes events and activities throughout the city as well as summer jobs. The Chicago Public Library offers book clubs, concerts, arts and crafts, dance parties, and ice cream socials. The Chicago Park District is hiring summer lifeguards and starting pay is $19 an hour. In addition, the Park District will offer daily activities, such as a Total Body Boot Camp, volleyball, and dance classes, among thousands more. My CHI. My Future. is a repository of all offerings in Chicago, including in-person and virtual, paid and free programming. 

Summer programs begin on Monday, June 24, but some agencies and community organizations, including the District’s Safe Haven partners, will offer programming as early as June 10 to help close the gap between the end of the school year and the start of summer activities. Families can explore all CPS options at cps.edu/summerprograms; registration is now open. Safe Haven programming, which is offered by faith-based organizations,  includes academic and recreational activities that foster the development of peer and mentor relationships to help students stay on track at school. Healthy meals will be provided at all Safe Haven locations. Hours of operation may vary by site. Visit the Safe Haven webpage here to view a map of programs here.

CPS’ summer meal program, LunchStop, runs Monday to Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from June 24  to August 9 at select locations families can visit cps.edu/summermeals for more info. Additionally, all students enrolled in summer programming at a CPS school and any children who live in the area served by the summer program are eligible for meals during meal service times. 

Many CPS families will qualify for Summer EBT,  a one-time benefit of $120 from the state of Illinois to help with food costs during the summer months. Some families will be automatically enrolled for Summer EBT based on their participation in other benefit programs, while others will need to complete an application.