Grade school student working on project

Youth Enrichment

Hands-on fun for elementary and middle school students. Our Academic Enrichment Program features classes that improve academic and language skills, develop an appreciation for art and drama, and provide opportunities to explore technology. 

These courses offer a unique opportunity to boost interest and understanding in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) topics in exciting ways that complement a child's learning. Active and engaging experiences foster a student's natural curiosity and stimulate learning and problem-solving.

COD Youth Academy is fun and engaging, with the instructional quality and academic standards you expect from College of DuPage.

Join us and adventure into the exploration of new ideas!

2023 Fall Enrichment Courses

Grades 3 to 5

Junior Baker
Mix up a storm in this introduction to baking course. Youth will enjoy learning basic culinary skills such as measuring, mixing, food safety and following a recipe as they create delightful baked cookies and a quick bread. Instructor: Ludmilla Lucheck

Saturday, Dec. 9
9 to 11 a.m.
YEEL-0001-008, $29
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Making Magic
Wish you could perform illusions like Shin Lim or David Blaine? Try your hand at the world of magic! Learn to perform card tricks, “mind-reading” feats and more. Explore the secrets behind some of magic’s greatest illusions. Each student will be sent home with their own magic wand, magic cards, magic props and plenty of “tricks up their sleeves.” Instructor: Jay Sternickle

Saturday, Dec. 2 and 9
12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
YEEL-0001-004, $99
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Grades 6 to 8

Junior Baker
Mix up a storm in this introduction to baking course. Youth will enjoy learning basic culinary skills such as measuring, mixing, food safety and following a recipe as they create delightful baked cookies and quick bread. Instructor: Ludmilla Lucheck

Saturday, Dec. 9
12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
YEMS-0001-008, $29
On campus in Glen Ellyn

2024 Spring Enrichment Courses

Grades 3 to 5

Creative Phone Photography 
Through their phone’s camera, students can express themselves, explore their surroundings and develop artistic skills. We’ll explore composition, exposure and lighting tips, macro and fast-action settings, and portrait techniques. Students will discover and unlock hidden phone camera features and learn how to share their images best online. A charged cell phone is required for this class. Instructor: Jay Sternickle 

Tuesday, Feb. 27 to March 19 
4 to 5:30 p.m. 
YEEL-0001-022, $65 
On campus in Glen Ellyn 

Creative Writing 
Discover the joy of writing, the intrigue of language and the confidence of authorship. Students learn to write stories and personal narratives, along with other creative forms. Instructor: Niki Karpenski 

Saturday, Feb. 3 to 24 
8:30 to 10:30 a.m. 
YEEL-0001-012, $85 
On campus in Glen Ellyn 

Fractal Fun 
Infinite self-similar patterns, known as fractals, are a window into exploring geometry, art and patterns in nature. Learn mathematical concepts aligned with the common core standards while recreating the art behind the Sierpinski triangle, the Koch curve and other famous fractals. Join this fun math class where you are encouraged to color! Instructor: Ayesha Ahmed 

Thursday, Feb. 29 to March 21 
4:15 to 5:45 p.m. 
YEEL-0001-016, $65 
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Introduction to Linguistics 
Exploring linguistics, the study of language, builds a better understanding of the world. Students will be introduced to terms used in the study of linguistics and discover career paths in the field. Instructor: Rachel Diaz 

Saturday, April 6 to 20 
9 to 10:30 a.m. 
YEEL-0001-021, $45 
On campus in Glen Ellyn 

Knitting Essentials 
Learning to knit helps students improve their fine motor skills as well as their basic math and creative thinking abilities. Students will focus on knitting basics as they learn to cast on, knit, purl, bind off and read a basic pattern. No experience is necessary, and all supplies will be provided. Instructor: Cheryl Boyle 

Monday, Feb.5 to March 18 
4 to 5:30 p.m. 
YEEL-0002-027, $99 
On campus in Glen Ellyn 

LEGO® Robotics Workshop 
Join College of DuPage Engineering Club members to design and build a LEGO® robot and learn to program your creation to move and complete tasks. This unique opportunity gets students working alongside COD Engineering Club members to help build, troubleshoot and program their robots. 

Saturday, Jan. 27 
9 a.m. to noon 
YEEL-0005-002, $49 
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Literary Adventures 
Travel the world through reading. Participants will read age-appropriate books in class and during the week to prepare for classroom literary discussions. The focus will be on themes and current events. Instructor: Rachel Diaz 
Saturday, Feb. 3 to March 9 
9 to 10:30 a.m. 
YEEL-0001-020, $89 
On campus in Glen Ellyn 

SketchUp for Kids 
Create models and images on a computer screen using SketchUp, a popular rendering program used by professionals in architectural and gaming industries. Students enjoy learning technology and exercising their creativity as they are introduced to tools and functions in this dynamic design software. Instructor: Ayesha Ahmed 

Thursday, Jan. 25 to Feb. 22 
4:15 to 5:45 p.m. 
YEEL-0001-005, $75 
On campus in Glen Ellyn 

Snap Circuits® Electronics 
Snap Circuits® makes learning electronics easy and fun! Students will work in teams as they build a variety of projects using the Snap Circuits® System. Instructor: Jay Sternickle 

Tuesday, Feb. 6 to 20 
4 to 5:30 p.m. 
YEEL-0001-018, $45 
On campus in Glen Ellyn 

Stars, Planets and Galaxies 
Explore classical and dwarf planets, galaxies, stars and dark matter. Learn how black holes work, what causes a supernova, and discover other celestial objects in space. Instructor: Richard Morton 

Wednesday, Jan. 31 to Feb. 21 
4 to 5:30 p.m. 
YEEL-0001-002, $75 
On campus in Glen Ellyn 

Stop-Motion Video 
Create your own stop-motion film using LEGO® figures, dolls, clay or drawings. Students will create a concept and storyboard, photograph their props and use iMovie to assemble the images to show motion. Please bring props on the first day of class. Instructor: Jay Sternickle 

Saturday, March 2 to 16 
12:30 to 3:30 p.m. 
YEEL-0002-021, $99 
On campus in Glen Ellyn 

Trial by Jury 
Be judge, defendant, prosecutor, witness and juror as you re-enact famous criminal cases. Explore concepts of the American legal system and develop skills in logical argumentation. Instructor: Niki Karpenski 

Saturday, April 6 to 27 
8:30 to 10:30 a.m. 
YEEL-0002-006, $85 
On campus in Glen Ellyn 

Web Builders 
Create a space online where youth can tell a family story, share information, support a cause or have fun. Students will create and publish their own websites using a simple, visual drag-and-drop interface. We will discuss the elements of good web design, including layout, color theory and typography. Internet safety will also be discussed as students learn what is and is not appropriate to share on the web. Instructor: Jay Sternickle 

Saturday, Feb. 10 to 24 
12:30 to 3:30 p.m. 
YEEL-0001-024, $99 
On campus in Glen Ellyn 

Young Film Makers 
Learn about the art of filmmaking while working collaboratively to create a short video “film.” Students will act as directors, actors, cinematographers and editors while learning the fundamentals of making a film project from start to finish. Techniques include storyboarding, creating shot lists, setting up camera angles, using a green screen and performing post-production editing. Instructor: Jay Sternickle 

Saturday, April 6 to 20 
12:30 to 3:30 p.m. 
YEEL-0001-023, $99 
On campus in Glen Ellyn 

Zen Doodle Drawing 
Create beautiful Zen doodles with ease! Zen doodle drawing is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images using structured patterns. Because the nature of Zen doodling promotes relaxation, the class is taught with soft music playing to help foster a relaxed “Zen” state. Instructor: Jay Sternickle 

Tuesday, April 2 to 23 
4 to 5:30 p.m. 
YEEL-0001-006, $65 
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Grades 6 to 8

Digital Painting 
Learn the basics of digital brushes, layer styles and more to create amazing images. Students use either Photoshop or pixlr.com during class and are introduced to a digital drawing pad. Instructor: Richard Morton 

Saturday, March 23 to April 20 (no class March 30) 
3 to 5 p.m. 
YEMS-0001-105, $99 
On campus in Glen Ellyn 

Dungeons and Dragons 
Join us on a quest for adventure and monster destruction. Use your imagination, create your own character, work as a team and develop group problem-solving skills as you attempt to complete a quest led by the Dungeon Master, Mr. Morty. 

Saturday, March 23 to April 20 (no class March 30) 
12:30 to 2:30 p.m. 
YEMS-0001-006, $99 
On campus in Glen Ellyn 

Introduction to Linguistics 
Exploring linguistics, the study of language, builds a better understanding of the world. Students will be introduced to terms used in the study of linguistics and discover career paths in the field. Instructor: Rachel Diaz 

Saturday, April 6 to 20 
10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. 
YEMS-0001-021, $45 
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Literary Adventures 
Travel the world through reading. Participants will read age-appropriate books in class and during the week to prepare for classroom literary discussions. The focus will be on themes and current events. Instructor: Rachel Diaz 

Saturday, Feb. 3 to March 9 
10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. 
YEMS-0001-020, $89 
On campus in Glen Ellyn 

Persuasive Writing 
Learn how to organize ideas, support opinions with facts and write strong conclusions to get your points across. Students explore persuasive writing techniques and read examples of effective writing to improve their skills. Instructor: Niki Karpenski 

Saturday, Feb. 3 to 24 
10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. 
YEMS-0001-002, $85 
On campus in Glen Ellyn 

SketchUp for Kids 
Create models and images on a computer screen using SketchUp, a popular rendering program used by professionals in architectural and gaming industries. Students enjoy learning technology and exercising their creativity as they are introduced to tools and functions in this dynamic design software. Instructor: Ayesha Ahmed 

Thursday, April 4 to May 2 
4:15 to 5:45 p.m. 
YEMS-0001-007, $75 
On campus in Glen Ellyn 

Trial by Jury 
Be judge, defendant, prosecutor, witness and juror as you re-enact famous criminal cases. Explore concepts of the American legal system and develop skills in logical argumentation. Instructor: Niki Karpenski 

Saturday, April 6 to 27 
10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. 
YEMS-0001-004, $85 
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Contact Information

Continuing Education
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1110
(630) 942-2208
Fax: (630) 942-3785
Email: CE@cod.edu

Front Desk Hours
  • Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Office hours may vary due to holidays and staff coverage.