UIC CHANCE student featured as panelist at High-Tech CHI 2023

Posted on February 14, 2024
Photo of five panelists.

High-Tech CHI was launched in 2023 as a citywide Computer Science Education Week (#CSEdWeeK) Celebration. On Saturday, December 9th, this inaugural event invited K-14 students, families, and community members to Google Chicago to learn more about the computing-related programs and resources available to them across the Chicagoland area.

This event convened organizations representing the tech workforce, government agencies academic institutions, and community-based organizations to expose, engage, and inspire attendees to explore computing. Interactive exhibits and hands-on workshops allowed attendees to investigate computing topics while creating and iterating on their ideas.

CHANCE student Aaron Tillery, a Junior studying Computer Engineering, was asked to join a panel of current 2-year and 4-year college students and tech apprentices to share about their unique post-secondary journeys into the tech industry.

 

High-Tech CHI was chock full of memorable moments thanks to the participation of key stakeholders. Here are just a few examples of the moments we’re sure to never forget:

Mayor Brandon Johnson Supports CS Education!

Mayor Brandon Johnson joined attendees during the day’s opening remarks. When asked about the event, Chicago’s Mayor stated, “Young people are Chicago's future...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."

Sphero littleBits

littleBits are easy-to-use electronic building blocks that snap together with magnets to make learning about circuitry and electronics exciting and engaging. High-Tech CHI was grateful to have littleBits kits provided by Sphero on site for attendees to create their own musical instruments with the assistance of event volunteers.

Illinois Innovation Challenge

The IL Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) launched the inaugural Illinois Innovation Challenge at High-Tech CHI. In the spirit of this event, this design challenge provided middle and high school students with a platform to innovate and ideate solutions to some of the challenges faced by state government.