Details

All you need to get your summer started.

Dates

Engage Chicago 2025 runs from June 23 to August 15, with student move-in and orientation occurring on June 22. An orientation day schedule will be provided to accepted students in the spring.

Travel

As a participant, you will receive an unlimited CTA transit card for the duration of the program. The card can be used 24/7 on all city buses and trains, which are easily accessible on the SAIC campus. 

You are responsible for travel to and from Chicago at the beginning and end of the program. With ample free public transit accessible from our program site, there is no need to bring a car, and parking is not provided. 

• Unlimited

  CTA Bus

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• Unlimited

  CTA Train

Housing

Engage Chicago students live together in a residence hall at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) in the heart of downtown Chicago – right across the street from the Chicago Theatre on State Street in the Loop. 

Loft-style studio apartments (both single and doubles) are available; and each apartment has its own private kitchen and bathroom. Shared lounges on each floor provide a gathering space for movie nights, discussions, special events and more. 

The residence hall provides 24-hour security, is air-conditioned, and includes laundry and workout facilities inside the building. 

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Academic Credits

Students can earn between 2-4 Northwestern University course credits for their participation in the program. (Students earn 2 credits at minimum; those interested in pursuing a 3- or 4- credit version of the program should contact us.)

See below for more information about applying for credits at Northwestern or transferring them to another institution.  

Northwestern Students

Visiting Students

Tuition and Aid

We’re committed to doing our best to make Engage Chicago accessible to all students, regardless of financial background. In 2024, about seventy percent of our students received financial support through a variety of channels.

We know that the process can be confusing, so we work one-on-one with each financial aid student to discuss all available options and determine the best strategy. The process starts upon acceptance into the program, but prospective applicants can get a sense of the financial aid options below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Internship & Placement Process:

• How does the matching process work?

  Once accepted to the program, students schedule an advising session with an Engage Chicago staff member where they share their professional goals for their internship placement and learn more about the internship opportunities available. Engage Chicago staff then share students’ resumes with internship host sites that meet students’ desired criteria. Students typically participate in interviews with 2-4 potential internship sites as part of the matching process, though the matching process varies by internship host site.

• What if I don’t get an internship through the matching process?

  This has never happened in the history of Engage Chicago. As long as you are responsive to your EC advisor and to the organizations, prepare for your interviews, and remain open-minded throughout the process, we are confident that you will secure an internship.

• Is the internship paid?

  No, students receive academic credit for their participation in the program, which includes a part-time internship component at non-profit and public service organizations across the city.

• What if I already have an internship for the summer?

  It is likely that you can use an outside internship as your Engage Chicago placement. Contact your EC advisor to ensure that the internship fits with Engage Chicago’s mission, schedule, and requirements. 

• Do you work with organizations outside of the nonprofit or public sector?

  While we work almost exclusively with nonprofit and public sector organizations, we will occasionally partner with a private sector organization if their work is closely connected to the public good. Since the program curriculum asks students to connect their internship experiences to theories of community development and social change, internship placements must have a civic or public focus.

• What is my internship schedule?

  The typical Engage Chicago internship schedule is Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9am-5pm, though some work schedules vary based on host organization needs. Students should plan to attend all scheduled workdays and bring any known schedule conflicts to their internship supervisor.

• Can I do my internship remotely?

  Modalities of internships vary by organization; students will receive details on specific internship modalities during the matching process.

• How does my internship impact my final grade?

  Internship supervisors review students’ performance and attendance throughout the program. These reviews are shared with program faculty, and in combination with coursework and attendance at program requirements, inform a student’s final grade. 

Room & Board:

• Do I have to live in Engage Chicago residential housing at SAIC?

  The short answer is yes. Living in the downtown residence hall allows EC students to fully immerse themselves in the program and city. Occasionally, students are granted housing exceptions if they live nearby or wish to live in rented apartments in Evanston. Students who want to apply for a housing exemption can do so after acceptance to the program. 

• Do I have to pay for meals?

  Students are expected to provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner for themselves. There are no dining or food options within the SAIC building. Each room has a full kitchen and there are plenty of grocery stores nearby. Students should factor meal costs into their financial planning over the summer. 

  Meals are provided by EC during orientation, special events, or when program requirements occur during mealtimes. 

• What are the dorms like?

  The EC residence hall is located at the School of the Art Institute (SAIC) in the heart of downtown Chicago across from the historic Chicago Theatre on State Street. All rooms are loft-style apartments with high ceilings, track lighting, and bright windows – and each apartment has its own private kitchen and bathroom. Within a block of the building are all major el lines, and summer-long CTA fare is provided for all EC students. Engage Chicago students are housed together, fostering shared experiences and a sense of community. Laundry is available onsite and students have access to a workout room onsite throughout the summer.

• Will I live in a double or single room?

  You will have an opportunity to indicate your preference for a double room or a single room (which may be limited by space availability). For 2025, a double room in an apartment is $3,160 and a single apartment is $4,160.

• How are roommates paired?

  We will send a Roommate Preference Form to all students living in a double. We will use this form to match students based on living preferences and connect you with your roommate the week before moving in.  

  If you would like to request a roommate, there will be an option to do so on the Roommate Preference Form. Both individuals are required to request one another for a match to be made.  

Money & Financial Aid:

• How much does Engage Chicago cost?

  The primary program expenses are tuition and housing. Tuition rates two Northwestern course credits is $11,194 for Summer 2025. For 2025, a double room in an apartment is $3,160 and a single apartment is $4,160. Click here for additional details.

• How do I apply for financial aid?

  Engage Chicago staff work closely with students to help them pursue a variety of financial aid and scholarship options. Click here for more information.

• Can I have a part-time job during the summer?

  This may be possible, especially if your work hours are limited to weekends. Part-time jobs that might impact your availability during program components must be discussed with staff prior to the start of the program.