The Odyssey Project
Students who enroll in The Odyssey Project/Proyecto Odisea find a welcoming and supportive intellectual community, as well as a firm foundation in the humanities. Courses take place from August through April and are made up of interdisciplinary humanities subjects that may include literature, philosophy, U.S. history, art history, critical thinking, and writing. A committed and creative group of professors from Chicago’s local universities guide Odyssey/Odisea courses, while students who complete the program earn up to 11 college credits in the humanities from the University of Illinois Chicago.
Humanities Courses Offered
The Odyssey Project comprises three semesters of humanities-based learning and an optional, non-credited fourth semester for students who are considering applying to college. While students are always encouraged to finish all credit-bearing courses, it is not uncommon for a student to complete one or two semesters and then return a year or more later to complete the remainder. Over four semesters, students can earn up to 11 college credits transferrable to any accredited college or university.
Semesters One and Two
Semester Three
Semester Four
Program Benefits
Thanks to our funders and partners, participants receive up to 11 transferable college credits at no cost from the University of Illinois at Chicago upon completion of our free Odyssey Project courses.
Additional Benefits and Support
- Course materials and basic supplies are provided at no additional cost.
- Teaching Assistants provide support with writing and other assignments at no additional cost.
- Public transportation is provided at no additional cost.*
- Child or elder care is provided at no additional cost.*
- Trips to museums, plays, and other happenings around Chicago are provided at no additional cost.
- Free snacks and drinks are provided during class.
- Free membership to the Odyssey Project Listserv and Facebook group which provide helpful tips and information, and updates about Odyssey Project alumni, Odyssey Project events, and other happenings in Chicago.
*Public transportation and child/elder care are provided on an individual basis in cases of demonstrated need.
(photo by GlitterGuts)
How to Apply
Applications to join the Odyssey Project open annually on March 1. The deadline to apply is June 15, 2025. Students are notified of their admission in early July and classes begin in August. Find out if you're eligible and follow the steps to apply.
Make sure you are eligible
Pick a Location
Complete the Application
Program Spotlight
Odyssey Project/Projecto Odisea alumni Dorian Nash, Aileen Ocana, and Lori Bibbs share their experiences while taking these humanities classes.
Recent Graduates and Awards
2024 Graduates
EJ Hendricks Award
Sophie Razo Alumni Award
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2023 Odyssey graduates, instructors, and staff [L-R: Isalia, Josephine, Jasper (back row), Louisa, Susannah (back row), Sheila, Corbin (back row), Mikaylah, Julio, eve (back row), and Ann-Marie] (Photo by Glitter Guts Photography)
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Odyssey alumna Samantha Jordan poses at the entrance to the 2022 graduation ceremony. (Photo by Danielle Elisse Campbell)
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2023 graduate and Sophie Razo Award recipient Itzel Muñoz and her husband pose for a photo during the reception after the graduation ceremony. (Photo by Glitter Guts Photography)
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2022 graduate Kim Redmond celebrates after receiving their certificate. (Photo by Danielle Elisse Campbell)
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Odyssey Project alumni participating in the Envisioning Justice Odyssey Project workshop, Reimagining Safety, in 2019.
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2015 Odyssey Project graduates pose on stage with family, friends, and faculty at the National Museum of Mexican Art.
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2011 Odisea Proyecto students throw a party for fellow students, faculty, family, and friends.
Faculty and Staff
Staff
First Year Uptown (Chicago North Side)
First Year (Chicago South Side)
Second Year Loop (Downtown Chicago)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Odyssey Project cost?
When can I apply?
When do classes meet?
What is your COVID-19 Policy?
Contact Us
Rebecca Amato
Director of Teaching and Learning
odyssey@ilhumanities.org
(312) 374-1550
Funders
Partners
Community Partners
Contact
Suite 650, 125 South Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60603
312.422.5580 312.374.6787
600 Troy Road
N4, Room 207
Edwardsville, IL 62025
618.468.5580
Illinois Humanities is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Illinois General Assembly [through the Illinois Arts Council], as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
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Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed by speakers, program participants, or audiences do not necessarily reflect those of the NEH, Illinois Humanities, our partnering organizations, or our funders.
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