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
- Request More Information
- Spring 2024 Class Schedule (all classes)
- Fall 2023 Class Schedule (all classes)
- Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.