The Odyssey Project / El Proyecto Odisea
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 offers a First Year course for new students and a Second Year course for returning students. Over the course of two years, students can earn up to 11 college credits transferrable to any accredited college or university.
First Year (HUM 110 and Hum 111)
The first year course (HUM 110 & HUM 111) provides an introduction to the humanities through the study of subjects such as philosophy, art history, literature, U.S. history, and critical thinking and writing. In addition to work in the classroom, students will also have the opportunity to see plays, visit museums, and attend public lectures for free.
Classes meet twice a week in the evenings from late-August to late-April, and are offered in-person in Chicago’s Bronzeville and Uptown neighborhoods. Upon successfully completing the first-year course, students earn eight units of college credits in the humanities (four credits each in HUM 110 and HUM 111) from the University of Illinois Chicago. (Courses in Spanish are offered in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood. Read more here.)
All courses are free and credits earned are fully transferrable to accredited colleges and universities.
Second Year (HUM 210)
The second year course (HUM 210) takes place during the fall semester and is offered to students who have completed the first-year sequence at any time in the past. The course is interdisciplinary and text-driven and is organized around a single theme for the entire semester. Students who complete the course earn three additional credits in the humanities from the University of Illinois Chicago.
Classes meet twice a week in the evenings from August until December and are offered at Illinois Humanities’ main office in the Loop.
All courses are free and credits earned are fully transferrable to accredited colleges and universities.
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 and are due in June. 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
To take part in the Odyssey Project, you must:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Read at an adult level. (We do a lot of reading in the program, so being able to read a newspaper in English is a good measure of reading readiness for this course.)
- Live at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guideline. (See the application for income guidelines, or refer to this link.)
Please also keep in mind that:
- You SHOULD NOT currently have a four-year college degree (B.A./B.S.).
- You DO NOT need to complete Federal Financial Aid Forms to participate.
- You CAN already have a two-year college degree (A.A./A.S.).
- You CAN join The Odyssey Project if you have outstanding student loans and student loans in default or owe money to a college.
- You CAN join The Odyssey Project if you have not completed your high school degree.
- You CAN join The Odyssey Project if you are undocumented.
We consider special circumstances if you do not qualify based on the above criteria, so please contact us at odyssey@ilhumanities.org and/or add a note to your application.
Pick a Location
The Odyssey Project First Year Course takes place in-person at:
- North Side: Uptown (Haymarket House, 800 W Buena Ave near Clarendon Ave)
- South Side: Bronzeville (Carruthers Center, 700 E Oakwood Blvd near Cottage Grove Ave)
For the Spanish Language course in Little Village (Instituto del Progreso Latino, 2520 S Western Ave), please visit El Proyecto Odisea.
Complete the Application
The 2023-2024 academic year is full. Please complete this interest form to be added to our mailing list and receive notice when the application is available for the next academic year.
If you have more questions, please visit our FAQs section. If you would like to apply for the Spanish Language First Year course, please visit El Proyecto Odisea.
Program Spotlight
Our current students and graduates express better than anyone what the secret ingredients of The Odyssey Project/El Proyecto Odisea are: time, care, patience, kindness, compassion, and authenticity.
Recent Graduates and Awards
2023 Graduates
First Year
Christine Michelle Alterio
Edgar Astorga
Lori K. Bibbs
Tara Claudio
Sandra Cortina
Malina Damjanovic
Yesenia Gonzalez
Karla L. Hernandez-Calvente
Calandra Hulitt
Doodle May Jenkins
Sheila Johnson
Beatriz Medina
Mikaylah Kathereen Miller
Jocelyn Marie Molina
Jasper Hougard Morrow
Isalia O'Campo Ayón
Louisa Oliveros
Carla Padgett
Bianca Perez
Nikia Prince
Rosemary Steward
Jo-Anne E. Terrell
Qia Williams
Second Year
Tabitha Bland
milo bosh
Kim Campos
Dulce María Díaz
David Harris
Daniela Hernandez
Jajwina Myles
Colleen Villegas
Proyecto Odisea First Year
Alejandrina Callejas
Maria Farias
Elsa Marisa Lopez Moreno
Ibeth Mercado Hiciano
Luis Rodriguez
Jose Zurita Castro
Proyect Odisea Second Year
Arturo Ayala
Dianna Calvente
Gladys Soledad De La Torre
Brenda Hernandez
Dulce Maria Jimenez
Jorge Alberto Antonio Miranda
Gabriela Ramirez
Magda Ramos
Alheli Valentin
Photos from the ceremony are available on our Facebook page.
EJ Hendricks Award
Initiated in 2018 in honor of one of the first graduates of The Odyssey Project and a retired employee of Illinois Humanities, EJ Hendricks, this annual award recognizes an Odyssey Project alumnus who exemplifies EJ’s commitment to lifelong learning, her dedication to strengthening her community, and her continued investment in working to improve The Odyssey Project for future generations.
Recipients
- 2023: Kim Campos
- 2022: Mayra Ortiz
- 2021: Wanda Obazee
- 2020: Nicole Bond
- 2019: Jo McEntee and Mateo Gonzalez
- 2018: Toy Robinson and Judith (Sophie) Razo
Sophie Razo Alumni Award
The Sophie Razo Alumni Award was created in 2022 to recognize an important and beloved member of our community, Sophie Razo, who passed away in 2021. The award honors a graduate of Proyecto Odisea who, like Sophie, demonstrates a deep commitment to lifelong learning, care for one’s many communities, and continued investment in strengthening Proyecto Odisea for future students and alumni.
Recipients
- 2023: Itzel Muñoz
- 2022: Magdalena Portillo
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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
- Jo McEntee, North Side Site Coordinator
- Wanda Obazee, South Side Site Coordinator
- Mateo Gonzalez, Odisea Site Coordinator
- Stephanie Banks, South Side Teaching Assistant
- Itzel Muñoz, Odisea Teaching Assistant
- Adrian Gonzalez, Second Year Teaching Assistant
- Rebecca Amato, Odyssey Project/Proyecto Odisea Director
First Year Uptown (Chicago North Side)
- Jo McEntee, Site Coordinator
- Susannah Strang, Instructor, Art History
- eve bridges, Instructor, Critical Thinking and Writing
- Nadia Softic, Instructor, History
- Ann-Marie McManaman, Instructor, Literature
- Kevin Irakoze, Instructor, Philosophy
First Year Bronzeville (Chicago South Side)
- Wanda Obazee, Site Coordinator
- Stephanie Banks, Teaching Assistant
- Allison Muscolino, Instructor, Art History
- Lucy Biederman, Instructor, Critical Thinking & Writing
- Nora Gaines, Instructor, History
- Michael Fischer, Instructor, Literature
Second Year Loop (Downtown Chicago)
- Andres Lemus-Spont, Instructor
- Marya Spont-Lemus, Instructor
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Odyssey Project cost?
The Odyssey Project is free. Thanks to our funders and partners, Odyssey Project courses are provided at no cost to the students.
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 provides 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.
When can I apply?
The application window is March-June. Odyssey Project classes start in late August.
Applicant decisions will be e-mailed during the first or second week of July. Soon after, you will be contacted by one of our site coordinators to collect a few additional details and invite you to a site orientation. Please ensure we can reach you by phone or email on your application. It’s a good idea to provide multiple means of contacting you.
Apply here. If you would like to apply for the Spanish Language First Year course, please visit El Proyecto Odisea.
When do classes meet?
Classes meet twice a week during weekdays in the evenings starting at 6:00 p.m.
What is your COVID-19 Policy?
For the health and safety of all members of the Odyssey community, Illinois Humanities encourages, but does not require, vaccination to participate in in-person courses. Students, faculty, site coordinators, teaching assistants, other Illinois Humanities staff, and any approved guests are required to wear masks at all times in the classroom when not eating or drinking.
By accepting admission or employment with The Odyssey Project at Illinois Humanities, all Odyssey community members agree to comply with requirements to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and acknowledge that Illinois Humanities cannot guarantee attendees will not become infected with COVID-19 as a result of attending classes. If you have any questions about this policy, please email us at odyssey@ilhumanities.org.
Contact Us
Rebecca Amato
Director of Teaching and Learning
odyssey@ilhumanities.org
(312) 374-1550
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 Agency], as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations.
Illinois Humanities respects the privacy of its audiences and will at no time sell or distribute personal information to any party not directly affiliated with Illinois Humanities and its programs.
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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