The Pritzker Tech Talent Labs take a systemic approach to developing promising and diverse tech talent. Our suite of computing-focused programs serve K-12 students and educators, community college and university students, and adult learners, to build more inclusive pathways into high demand tech jobs.
PTTL’s programs start with middle school serving students as well as educators, counselors, and administrators to help prepare the next generation of tech professionals.
PTTL offers programming for middle and high school students to develop college and career readiness skills focused in computing and tech-related fields.
• Digital Explorers (Grades 6-8)
• Discover Computing (Grades 9 & 10)
• Digital Scholars (Grades 11, 12 and incoming college freshman)
To equip more teachers as trained tech educators, PTTL supports programming that includes UIUC’s CS endorsement program, targeted professional development, and resources for schools to improve CS education across Illinois.
• CSTed
Whether they’re alumni of DPI programming or new to the organization, students from community colleges, four-year colleges, and graduate programs can develop or sharpen their technical and non-technical skills to pursue and excel in tech careers.
Whether they plan to transfer to four-year programs or go directly into the workforce, community college students can boost their tech credentials.
We offer internships as well as paid opportunities to mentor high school students. Organizations interested in hiring Summer Tech Interns should contact Karen Larson at kplarson@uillinois.edu.
Our Talent Accelerator program prepares adults from underserved and often overlooked backgrounds for in-demand technology jobs at corporate partners, advancing economic mobility and job readiness.
The Tech Talent Accelerator helps Illinois residents gain the skills needed to adapt and thrive in the digital economy
Trainees have gone on to positions at SAP, John Deere, Oak Street Health, UL, HCSC among other leading Chicago tech companies
The Tech Talent Accelerator is an innovative, mastery-oriented upskilling program designed to match trainee skills and career aspirations with company needs.
Contact us if you are an employer in search of tech talent solutions
Meet Matthew, Zipporah, and Ainsley, three of the apprentices in the Pritzker Tech Talent Labs’ Full-Stack Software Development Apprenticeship Program. Here, they talk about their journeys through the program and what fueled their desire to engage in this challenging and transformational experience. We also learn from an employer partner, SAP, about what it has meant for new talent to join their organization.
Recent news from the Pritzker Tech Talent Labs.