CHICAGO - The Department of Family and Support Services, announces High-Tech CHI, a day-long event focused on exposing K-14 students to new and innovative technology. This event will be part of the Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) celebrations taking place across the globe this December and will be hosted by Presenting Sponsor Google at their Chicago office on December 9^th, 2023.

"Chicago's young people are Chicago's future," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "Exposure to opportunity is fundamental to equity in the technology space and events like High Tech CHI familiarize our youth with increasing opportunities available to them as Chicago continues to rise as a hub for computer science, technology, and innovation."

CSEdWeek is an annual call to action to inspire students to learn computer science, advocate for equity, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field. Organizations from around the world contribute to CSEdWeek by organizing CS experiences for youth and families to participate in.

“The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services is incredibly pleased to partner with CS for Success and Discovery Partners Institute to host this event, which is designed to engage our youth and get them excited about the technology field,” said Department of Family and Support Commissioner Brandie Knazze. “The computer science space is rapidly growing and changing, and young people are the future tech leaders we need to invent new solutions and solve complex problems.”

High-Tech CHI will provide hands-on experiences for students, parents, and community members to learn about the latest technologies and relevant computing-based pathways by convening workforce development partners, industry leaders, educational institutions, and others to create interactive exhibits and on-the-spot career training and preparation opportunities.  

"Google is honored to be the presenting sponsor of the High-Tech CHI event this December," said Shanika Hope, Google's Director of Education for Social Impact. "We believe that every student should have access to the collaborative, coding, and technical skills that can unlock opportunities in the classroom and beyond, and CS Education Week is an important moment to join with our partners to celebrate this community's efforts and ongoing commitment." 

By partnering with community-based organizations invested in providing students with access to a computer science education and connecting with Chicago’s booming tech industry, High-Tech CHI aims to demonstrate the opportunities available to students across the city through computing. 

“Computing is the language of business and—increasingly—the fabric of our creative, social and cultural lives,” said Mark Harris, director of the Community Education Unit at the Discovery Partners Institute. “With the central role of computing in most everything we do or touch, it’s our goal to support events like these to make computer science not just more accessible but also a compelling interest for a wider swath of Chicago’s youth. Our education programs serve middle school, high school, community college, 4-year and graduate students to create a deeper and more inclusive pathway for students into the Chicago tech community.  We’re also creating a more resilient Illinois workforce through upskilling programs and through the Pritzker Tech Talent Labs. With all that we do, it’s our aim to make Chicago’s tech workforce the most valued and inclusive in the nation.”             

High-Tech CHI will take place on December 9^th, 9:30AM - 2:30PM CT at Google Chicago, located at 320 N Morgan St Suite 600, Chicago, IL 60607.
Interested individuals can register now for High-Tech CHI at: bit.ly/hightechchi.
 

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Working with community partners, the Department of Family & Support Services connects Chicago residents and families to resources that builds stability, supports their well-being, and empowers them to thrive.