Chicago Student Travel Program

Chicago Trip Overview

Chicago Trip Overview

Chicago provides a wealth of history, music, food, art, literature, sports, theater, architecture, nasty politics, mafia, gentrification, and innovation to explorers, young and seasoned. Known for a lively jazz and blues music vibe and wildly popular sporting events "bucket list" scene, Chicago's dynamic exterior conceals a rich interior landscape. As the city pulses with sensory delights, there is a deep undercurrent of art, activism and empowerment at play. An exploration of the literature, history and modern issues in one of…

Chicago provides a wealth of history, music, food, art, literature, sports, theater, architecture, nasty politics, mafia, gentrification, and innovation to explorers, young and seasoned. Known for a lively jazz and blues music vibe and wildly popular sporting events "bucket list" scene, Chicago's dynamic exterior conceals a rich interior landscape. As the city pulses with sensory delights, there is a deep undercurrent of art, activism and empowerment at play. An exploration of the literature, history and modern issues in one of America's most iconic cities invite us to deep awareness of ourselves.

History Matters: Past is Present
Since the 1893 World's Fair, Chicago has been known as a global city, a thriving center of international trade and commerce which led to the great migration from the South. A place where people of every nationality come to pursue the American dream. Our Chicago student travel program experiential learning is anchored in award-winning literature-turned cinema which dramatizes Chicago in the popular imagination for 21st century learners: Devil in the White City by Erik Larson and The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.

People to People: Local Community
Teachers may choose from itineraries grounded in experiential learning balancing darkness and light showcased by our non-profit partners. Our Chicago student travel program connects students with change-makers in the spaces intersecting the academic and practical life from people of all walks. Popular points of interest include Hyde and Millennium Parks, The University of Chicago, The House of Blues, Hull House, Chicago law enforcement initiatives, Urban arts projects of Theaster Gates, the Obama Foundation, Wrigley Field, The Art Institute of Chicago, and several other world-renowned institutions. Visit with the student Peace Warriors of North Lawndale College Preparatory School, I Grow Chicago whose mission is to 'heal the hood,' award-winning journalists of WEBZ 91.5 Chicago's podcast '16 shots," University of Chicago students and faculty, local artists, athletes, musicians and more. Ultimately, we introduce students to explore Chicago with an examination of our own Americanness: migration and industry, race and identity, artistic excellence and the struggle which defines creative pursuit of our full potential in a democracy.

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Trip Highlights

  • Understand the unique attributes of Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods and iconic architecture
  • Choose guided visits in world-renowned museums, galleries, and exhibits.
  • Savor award-winning local gourmet cuisine.
  • Meet award-winning journalists, filmmakers, academics and community organizers.
  • Experience Chicago’s famous jazz and blues music scene.
  • Unpack the complexities of American history, industrialization, race and social mobility.
  • Choose to attend major events in theater, sports or the creative arts.
  • Explore Millennium Park, Museum Campus, Oak Street Beach, University of Chicago and more.