illi News - City Of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services Announces Second Annual High-tech Chi, A Citywide Celebration of Computer Science Education

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CHICAGO ~ Chicago is gearing up for the second annual High-Tech CHI event, hosted by the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS). This day-long event, taking place on December 7th at Google Chicago, aims to introduce K-14 students to new computing concepts in celebration of Computer Science Education Week (#CSEdWeek).

According to DFSS Commissioner Brandie Knazze, High-Tech CHI is a program that focuses on problem-solving and analytical skills, highlighting the importance of a computer science education in today's society. Knazze emphasizes that computer programming is now just as essential as reading, math, and writing were for previous generations. With the growing demand for individuals with computer science skills in the job market, a computer science education offers young people a valuable opportunity to pursue successful careers.

High-Tech CHI was first launched in 2023 at Google Chicago and has since brought together various stakeholders such as tech workforce representatives, government agencies, academic institutions, and community-based organizations. The goal of this collaboration is to expose, engage, and inspire attendees to explore computing. In its inaugural year, the event saw 1051 registered attendees and featured 19 sessions supported by 15 sponsors. A full recap of last year's event can be watched online.

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Co-Founder and CEO of CS for Success Abril Vela expresses her excitement about the positive reception of High-Tech CHI last year from all involved stakeholders. She credits the success of the event to the collaboration between different sectors and looks forward to building upon last year's achievements.

This year's High-Tech CHI will feature a new dual-track format at Google Chicago:

- Family Engagement Track: This track is designed for K-8th students and parents with hands-on and interactive activities curated to encourage exploration and develop curiosity.

- High School & Beyond Track: Aimed at high school students, 2-year/4-year college students, and students enrolled in alternative learning programs, this track will feature workshops, an expo hall, and panel discussions to provide insights into computing career pathways.

Mark Harris, Director of the Pritzker Tech Talent Labs at the Discovery Partners Institute, emphasizes the importance of computing in all aspects of our lives. He expresses excitement about co-sponsoring High-Tech CHI again this year and believes that by fostering collaboration among students of all levels, a stronger and more inclusive tech workforce can be built. Harris envisions a future where Illinois leads the nation in creativity, technical innovation, and collaborative problem-solving.

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High-Tech CHI has partnered with community-based organizations that are dedicated to providing students with access to a computer science education and connecting them with Chicago's thriving tech industry. The event aims to showcase the opportunities available to students across the city through computing.

Google's Director of State & Local Government Affairs Rob Biederman is thrilled to host High-Tech CHI for a second year at their Fulton Market Office in celebration of CS Education Week. Biederman highlights Google's commitment to creating opportunities for students to learn technical skills that will shape our future. He believes that events like High-Tech CHI are crucial in inspiring and supporting future creators, builders, and technologists.

Interested individuals can now register for High-Tech CHI at htc2024.eventbrite.com. This event promises to be an exciting opportunity for students and parents alike to explore the world of computing and discover potential career pathways in this ever-growing field.

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