Chicago Center for Urban Life & Culture

Apply Online Now! »
or call 1.800.747.6059

Group Programs

Chicago Beyond the Skyline

Group Programs

For the past forty years, Chicago Center has specialized in seminars and workshops that open the city of Chicago to college students and their professors and other groups from across the country who wish to learn from its legendary resources. From groups focusing on art and literature to those interested in business and social service, Chicago Center provides the necessary connection to tailor the city's resources to your specific interests through the LearnChicago! Seminar.

Chicago Center staff work closely with the professor or other group leader to make sure that the LearnChicago! Seminar accomplishes the goals for the travel group. Chicago Center truly makes Chicago the classroom by engaging the city's resources for the benefit of students through a first voice pedagogy. LearnChicago! Seminars draw from a rich repertoire of established resources and from the intimate connections Chicago Center has forged with neighborhoods and organizations throughout the city.

From our signature South Side tours and the mural tours in the Mexican and Puerto Rican communities, to taking full advantage of Chicago's world class cultural institutions and theater performances, the LearnChicago! Seminar offers an enriching and unforgettable learning experience. Chicago Center staff set up the entire program including housing while you are in the city and also staff the group throughout your time here.

Most programs typically include:

Other options include school observation, volunteer placements or completing a service project

Sample LearnChicago! Seminars

Each of our seminars is individually designed with the learning objectives and themes of your group in mind. Some of the following areas are our most popular.

  • Urban Education
  • Urban Health Care
  • Theatre
  • Chicago Literature
  • Music
  • Public Policy
  • Vocational Goals
  • Social Work
  • Leadership Studies
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Architecture & Public Art
  • Ethnic Studies
  • Communication
  • World Religions
  • Business Club and many more!

Length of Seminar

LearnChicago! Seminars may vary in length from one day to two weeks. Our experienced staff create a schedule according to the interests and goals of the group and oversee the implementation of each program from the group's arrival in Chicago to departure. We make the arrangements for housing, and transportation, as well as meetings with community leaders, cultural events, and community engagement. Program costs vary with length of stay and type of Seminar.

All inclusive Seminar pricing starts around $200 per person for weekend seminars and ranges to $550 per person for week long seminars. Please contact Program Director, Tiffanie Beatty for further pricing information.

Group Size and Types of Groups

Minimum group size: Seven participants total

Maximum size: We can generally accommodate groups of any size.

Although we work primarily with College and University faculty, we have organized seminars for church adult and youth groups, break-away programs, and k-12 school children. For more information about cost, details, and how Chicago Center can enrich your experience in Chicago, please contact Program Director Tiffanie Beatty at 773-363-1312 or tiffanieb@chicagocenter.org.