- Application fee: All programs require an application fee, which will be discounted from your final deposit.
- Deposit: Your deposit serves as your final payment for the program and is needed to officially register you. If we do not receive your deposit by the deadline, your registration will be canceled, and the application fee will be forfeited.
Refund Policy
- Application Fee
- If you apply for a selective program and are not admitted, your application fee will be refunded.
- All application fees are fully refundable until May 15, 2024. After this date, if deposits are not received, the application fee will be forfeited.
- Deposit:
- Full (100 percent) refunds of final payments are provided until 14 days before the start of a program.
- Partial refunds (50 percent) are provided within 13 days before a program start date.
- No refunds are provided on or after the start of a program.
Elevate College Prep offers limited financial assistance to families in need, which is done independently of Illinois Tech’s Office of Financial Aid.
While the Elevate College Prep team strives to support eligible applicants, we cannot guarantee aid for all.
To apply for financial assistance, students must complete the Elevate College Prep Scholarship Application and provide documentation verifying need, such as the family’s adjusted gross income from the previous year's IRS filings. Please note that initial deposits are still required for registration.
To apply for financial assistance, please fill out the form online.
For any inquiries or assistance, please contact us at precollege@iit.edu.
- Students participating in residential summer programs must be 15 to 17 years of age at the start of a program.
- Students participating in high school commuter or online summer programs must be 14 years of age at the start of a program.
- Students participating in middle school summer programs must be 11 to 13 years of age at the start of a program.
- All students participating in in-person programs are highly recommended to be fully vaccinated and to have received a booster shot two weeks prior to the start of a program.
Elevate College Prep programs are an excellent opportunity to engage in academically rigorous activities, experience independence on a world-class university campus, and make friendships that last a lifetime. Like Illinois Tech undergraduate students, Elevate College Prep students are held to high behavioral standards to ensure the health and safety of the community.
What to Bring
- Clothing
- Clothing for a variety of weather conditions
- Swimwear
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Workout clothes
- Rain gear and umbrella
- At least one business casual outfit; example: khakis and a polo are acceptable
- Shower shoes
- Sleepwear
- Extra undergarments and socks
- A set of clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty
- Bedding and Linens
- Sheets/comforter, a pillowcase, and a towel are provided
- Students are able to bring additional bedding if needed
- Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Soap or body wash
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush or comb
- Personal hygiene items
- Health and Medications
- Prescription medications (if any)
- Over-the-counter medications (pain relievers, allergy medication, etc.)
- Electronics
- Cell phone and charger
- Laptop or tablet (optional unless stated otherwise)
- Headphones
- School Supplies
- Notebooks and pens/pencils
- Backpack or tote bag
- Snacks
- Non-perishable snacks
- Water bottle
- Personal Items
- Identification (student ID, driver’s license)
- Insurance information
- Cash or prepaid card
- Miscellaneous
- Sunscreen
- Bug repellent
- Umbrella or raincoat (weather-dependent)
- Beach towel
- Laundry bag
What Not to Bring
- Alcohol/illegal substances
- Weapons
- Candles or incense
- Hot plates
- Extension cords and outlet splitters
- Expensive jewelry/valuables
- A complete list of what not to bring can be found online
The health and safety of the Illinois Tech community, including Elevate College Prep participants, is of the utmost importance. Elevate College Prep students are chaperoned at a 10:1 ratio for all-day and residential summer programs. All online program classroom spaces are monitored by a member of the Elevate College Prep team.
In the case of medical emergencies, Elevate College Prep students will be transported to Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, located at 2525 Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616.
Online Security
Illinois Tech takes the security of online summer program participants very seriously. Online summer programs use a variety of online platforms—online classroom spaces have a unique classroom link and are password-protected, and they are continually monitored by instructors and the Elevate College Prep team.
Public Safety
Please refer to our public safety website for additional information regarding campus safety policies and procedures. We encourage all summer program attendees to store Illinois Tech Public Safety’s emergency number on their personal phones.
Mies Campus: 312.808.6363
Rice Campus: 630.682.6054
Summer program participants will be supervised by trained Illinois Tech professional staff, faculty, or Elevate College Prep interns at all times during the course of their programs.
Activities Involving Minors
Pre-employment background checks, including criminal history, are a condition of employment for all newly hired or rehired professional staff and faculty members at Illinois Tech. Pre-employment background checks are also a requirement of Elevate College Prep interns. Please reference Illinois Tech’s policies on Pre-Employment Background Checks and Activities Involving Minors.
Title IX and Reporting Structures
All faculty and staff that interact with minors during summer programs are required to complete the Title IX and Working with Minors training. This will be emailed to all faculty and staff involved in summer programs in the spring semester before programs begin.
Please reference Title IX at Illinois Tech for more information and reporting procedures.
Addressing Behavioral Issues
Summer program attendees are expected to adhere to the Illinois Tech Summer Programs Community Standards. Safety is a top priority, and students must follow these expectations to ensure the well-being of the community. Any rule violation will result in some level of adjudication. If a student is found committing a violation, he or she will be required to meet with a member of the professional staff, who will then decide the best course of action. Students found committing major infractions will be sent home. No refunds will be granted for conduct related dismissals.
Attendance Requirements
Elevate College Prep participants are expected to attend the entirety of their designated summer program, including all class times and out-of-class activities. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis by Elevate College Prep staff and instructors; this is contingent upon written approval from a parent/guardian to precollege@iit.edu sent at least two business days in advance. In the case of emergencies, the approval process will be expedited.
How Do I Register?
Once applications open, you can follow these steps:
- Create an account
- Verify your account
- Select your program of interest
- Fill out the application
- Submit the application
- Submit your intent to enroll
- Submit your deposit/final payment
What is the Cost?
Each program has varying costs based on factors such as commuter or residential status, week length, and subject (lab fees/material costs). For specific cost details, refer to each program’s individual page.
In How Many Programs Can I Enroll?
Students are welcome to enroll in multiple programs, provided that the schedules do not overlap and do not disrupt one another.
I am an International Student—Am I Eligible to Apply? What Documentation Do You Require?
Yes, international students are eligible to apply. We welcome students from around the world. For documentation, international students must have a valid travel visa. We do not require a student visa, as our programs are considered enrichment programs and not full-time academic courses.
When Will I be Notified of An Admission Decision?
For our open-enrollment programs, it normally takes one to two weeks to receive a decision after all application materials have been received. For our selective programs, this may take three to five weeks after the application deadline.
Are Academic Credits Offered for the Programs?
Most programs are designed for academic enrichment and do not provide college credit. Upon successful completion, participants receive a Certification of Participation. If a program offers credits, this information will be specified in its program description. Alternatively, students aiming to earn college credit may explore our undergraduate courses.