Pritzker Tech Talent Labs / Programs for High School and Community College Students / Digital Explorers

Digital Explorers

The Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), with support from Apple and CME Foundation, provides an exciting, hands-on opportunity for middle school students (6th – 8th grade) in our Digital Explorers program. Digital Explorers (DE), a two-part mobile app development series for middle school students (6th through 8th grades) with an interest in tech, but limited experience, access, or awareness. DE will utilize Swift Playgrounds (iPads), Everyone Can Create curriculum, team-building activities, and human-centered design thinking challenges. Students will work with DPI staff, high school near peer mentors, and Wright College mentors; and develop skills in problem-solving and team building through human-centered design thinking activities.

Apply for the Digital Explorers Winter 2024 – Spring 2024 Cohort

DIGITAL EXPLORERS

Students in 6th through 8th grades participate in hands-on sessions to develop coding and designs for apps using Swift Playground – a powerful programming language created by Apple and used by tech professionals to build today’s most popular apps.

Digital Explorers (Part 1): February 10th – March 16th, 2024 (Saturdays)

Digital Explorers (Part 2): April 20th – May 25th, 2024 (Saturdays)

All applicants must also be able to attend our Student and Parent/Caring Adult Orientation (in-person) on Saturday, January 27th from 9:30am – 11:30am at DPI Offices (200 S. Wacker Drive, 60606).

Apply Here

We invite you to attend our virtual information session!

During this virtual information session, you and your caring adults will get to learn about Digital Explorers, how our unique program works, learn key benefits for students, and have the opportunity to have your questions answered. Register for a session below! (Sessions will take place on the Zoom virtual meeting platform – a device, computer or phone, will be required)

Students and all caring adults are invited (family, mentors, teachers, counselors).

Click the links below to register for one of the following DE info sessions.

Wednesday, December 6th, 2023 – 5:30pm to 6:30pm- Register Here

Monday, December 18th, 2023 – 5:30pm to 6:30pm – Register Here

Tuesday, January 9th, 2024 – 5:30pm to 6:30pm – Register Here

Get Involved

Are you a student who would like to learn about tech and connect with practitioners in Chicago’s
dynamic tech community?

Are you a parent, teacher, or other caring adult who would like to recommend a student for
participation in our programs?

Are you an employer or donor who is interested in supporting our efforts through partnership?

Please contact Gina Grant, Associate Director of K-9 Programming at glgrant@uillinois.edu or Jaclyn Carmichael, Assistant Director of K-9 Programming at jaclync@uillinois.edu for additional questions or more information!