Northwestern Pre-College College Bridge

The Northwestern Pre-College College Bridge Program is a free summer program from Northwestern University that lets Chicago Public Schools juniors take a real college course for credit. Each summer, Northwestern admits 25 high school juniors from Chicago Public Schools through a partnership with the district. Admitted students take one undergraduate course during Northwestern's Summer Session, studying alongside Northwestern undergraduates. Most 100- and 200-level classes are open to them, subject to prerequisites, while three-week intensive science courses and 300-level courses may need special permission. Courses run from three to ten weeks and are offered either online or on campus in Evanston, Illinois. Students who complete their course satisfactorily earn Northwestern college credit. Tuition and textbooks are covered, so the program costs nothing to attend.

Must be a current high school junior enrolled in Chicago Public Schools with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Apply online with a 250-500 word personal statement on how the program would help your academic goals, a list of extracurricular activities, and an official high school transcript. The 2026 application deadline was April 1, 2026, and admission decisions are emailed about four to six weeks after the deadline. Admitted students must attend an online orientation and advising session before enrolling.