Free college-level classes

Although the fall application deadline passed mid-August, the Odyssey Project of the Illinois Humanities Council is an organization that offers free college-level classes for low-income students. In partnership with Bard College, students are able to earn six units of credit which are fully transferable to other colleges and universities. Classes begin in mid-September and are held at the Donoghue School, 707 E. 37th, and at the Howard Area Community Center, 7648 N. Paulina.

Along with free tuition, the program provides free childcare, free books, and transportation. To be eligible for the first-year course, students must be at least 17 years old and live at or below 150% of the poverty level. They must also be able to read a newspaper in English.

Classes for the first-year course meet twice a week from September to May, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The curriculum is a broad introduction to the humanities. In addition, students have the opportunity to take part in selected adult education activities with the University of Chicago's School of General Studies, as well as, visit museums, attend outside lectures, and see plays.

The Odyssey Project also offers a variety of programs for prospective students. Tuition and books are free for the Bridge Course, which is open to those who have successfully completed the first-year course and plan on going to a four-year college. Those who successfully complete the course will earn eight units of college credit that are fully transferable to other colleges and universities.

Classes are held at Columbia College in Chicago and meet twice a week from September through May. College and financial aid counseling is interwoven in the course to help students apply for college admission.

Another program of the Odyssey Project includes a Spanish-language course (Fundamentos de Educación en Humanidades). It is taught in partnership with the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). This native Spanish-speaking course is offered at the Gads Hill Center in the Pilsen neighborhood.

Students can take classes in Latin American history, literature, philosophy, and other humanities courses. All reading assignments and class discussions are in Spanish. Tuition and books are all free and the classes meet twice a week from November to March.

For more information, please visit www.prairie.org/odysseyproje