One week. A lifetime of impact.
July 26 – Aug 2, 2025
Chicago, IL
Are you ready for a journey that sharpens your thinking and empowers your purpose? Join young minds (ages 16–24) for a week of intellectual adventure, career clarity, and personal growth.
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We call our seminar....
But what is it?
- The seminar is called “The Great Connections” because it focuses on promoting deep and meaningful connections between great ideas, individuals, and real-world applications.
- This approach will help you build bridges between your intellectual understanding and personal growth, creating a transformative experience that extends beyond academic learning.
- In summary: It’s about connecting ideas across disciplines, connecting with others through shared discussions, and connecting one’s inner purpose to practical paths in life.
What Do we do at these seminars?
- We will help you discuss great writing and ideas in small groups, discussions that grow your reasoning power and teamwork skills.
- During the seminar, you will delve into seminal texts spanning philosophy to physics, across eras and ideologies, from classics like Plato and Aristotle to contemporary thinkers.
- This summer’s theme, “Reason and Free Will,” will guide our exploration through selected readings such as Aristotle’s “Four Causes & De Anima,” Rand’s “The Objectivist Ethics,” and foundational texts like the Declaration of Independence.
- You will receive detailed instructions and materials to read in advance, preparing them for a rich discussion and a deeper understanding of the connections between these ideas and the modern world.
The Experience Goes beyond Just reading....
- You will engage in activities that enrich your understanding—exploring philosophical themes, scientific inquiry, and historical texts through guided introspection. You’ll visit notable museums and landmarks and join discussions with experts.
- The program also includes collaborative workshops, like improv sessions, to promote relaxation, enjoyment, and teamwork, helping you connect with others and deepen your learning experience.
Who attends our seminar?
- Our Seminar is now open to a wider age range, welcoming individuals aged 16-24.
- This expansion makes the seminar a more dynamic and powerful experience, offering intellectual purpose to those in search of it.
- For teens seeking to refine their thinking about college and life decisions, young adults in pursuit of career clarity, individuals aiming to articulate their thoughts more effectively, and students enthusiastic about exploring the works of great authors and ideas—this seminar offers the tools and insights needed to navigate these challenges.
The Benefits of this Seminar
- Students consistently applying our method have been measured to raise their cognitive skills by 20-85%.
- We will be using a method of discussion that will significantly help you in learning to read and understand anything you encounter.
- We will have very few lectures; most of the time you will be expected to very actively be involved in discussion.
- By doing the reading and the discussion work, you will learn how to reason excellently and apply what you learn to your life, in addition to learning much new information.
Schedule and Seminar Fees
Schedule
The Seminar will be hosted from July 26 to August 2, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois. You can review the schedule here.
The program will take place at Thomas Beckham Hall at the University of Illinois. Students will stay in dorms on campus for the duration of the Seminar.
Scholarship Information
There are a limited number of scholarships covering tuition and some room and board. If you do not receive a scholarship, your fee will depend on when you apply. For details on applying for a scholarship, submit an application and indicate that you would like to apply for a scholarship as well. For more information, email Marsha Enright at Marsha@reliancecollege.org.
Seminar Fees
Tuition covers all Seminar programming for 7+ days, and room and board includes 8 nights, plus opening and closing dinners.
Save money by registering early!
Sign up by:
March 1st, 2025: Tuition $300; Room and Board $500 (Early Bird)
After March 1st, 2025: Tuition $500; Room and Board $1000
Meet our founder, Marsha.
I’m Marsha Familaro Enright, the founder of The Great Connections Seminars and president of Reliance College. With a B.A. in Biology from Northwestern University and an M.A. in Psychology from The New School for Social Research, I’ve spent my career creating transformative educational experiences. I founded the Council Oak Montessori School, ran it for 27 years, and developed The Great Connections program to provide a unique, rigorous approach to learning. As the author of Teaching Freedom: Education for a Free Society, I bring decades of expertise in psychology, philosophy, and education to guide you through engaging discussions that challenge your mind and inspire personal growth. I’m here to ensure your seminar experience is enriching, impactful, and unforgettable.
Still have questions?
Have more questions? I invite you to schedule a free call with me. Feel free to ask me anything regarding the Summer Seminar and I’ll be delighted to provide you with answers.
Testimonials
What Previous Participants Say
About Chicago
- One of the most dynamic and beautiful cities in the world, lush with great architecture, business, finance, educational and artistic riches, and reasonable living costs. Easy transportation by plane, train, bus, or automobile.
- Twenty-nine miles of beaches, parks, and recreational activities along the beautiful shores of one of the Great Lakes, Michigan.
- Famous for its music scene from the world-renowned Chicago Symphony to the Primary Night Club and small pop-up venues by edgy artists.
- Home of improv comedy, from the original Second City Theater to Zanies and The NeoFuturists Club.
- More than 20 business accelerators and tech incubators.
About Chicago
- One of the most dynamic and beautiful cities in the world, lush with great architecture, business, finance, educational and artistic riches, and reasonable living costs. Easy transportation by plane, train, bus, or automobile.
- Twenty-nine miles of beaches, parks, and recreational activities along the beautiful shores of one of the Great Lakes, Michigan.
- Famous for its music scene from the world-renowned Chicago Symphony to the Primary Night Club and small pop-up venues by edgy artists.
- Home of improv comedy, from the original Second City Theater to Zanies and The NeoFuturists Club.
- More than 20 business accelerators and tech incubators.
Excited to Apply?
We can’t wait to have you at our seminar!
