Break Through Tech Chicago can help prepare you.
Our mission is to advance the education and careers of women (cis and trans) and nonbinary individuals who are in college and considering careers in computing and technology. We are especially committed to preparing Black, Latinx, and Indigenous people with the education they need to bring diversity to the tech world. These are our current offerings:
If you’ve decided to study tech, CS 111 will lay the groundwork for the academic experiences that lie ahead.
Break Through Tech Chicago helps UIC students who plan to major or minor in data science, computer science, CS + design, or computer science and linguistics to get their start in CS 111. Each year, we accept applications for our tuition-free summer section of this course. We are looking for students who:
These quick (hence the sprint!) immersive paid internships give you work experience and a tech-industry résumé credential that can help you to land your first summer tech internship.
Sprinternships are a key part of Break Through Tech Chicago’s mission, which is to advance the tech careers of women and nonbinary people and enhance gender diversity in the tech sector.
Sprinternships are designed for freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors at UIC who plan to pursue a tech education and career.
While certain majors and minors (such as computer science, data science, CS + design, or computer science and linguistics) are more common among Sprinterns, we are happy to receive applications from UIC students in other majors who have career plans that involve technology or tech innovation.
Tech in Residence builds on momentum from our Sprinternship program to advance gender equity in tech. It combines a corporate-sponsored UIC computer science course with the possibility of a summer internship or full-time job with the company after the course ends. Earn 3 UIC credits while teaming up with fellow students to put your tech knowledge to work!
You may apply for Tech in Residence if you:
Chicago Tech Circle, housed at UIC and supported by Break Through Tech Chicago, creates teams of women and nonbinary UIC student tech consultants to work for Chicago companies.
For each client we work with, Chicago Tech Circle puts together a diverse, multi-talented team of UIC students who each bring a unique skill or perspective to the project. We are looking for students who want to collaborate on paid tech projects and who have backgrounds in subjects such as:
Students of all UIC majors, minors, and areas of interest are welcome to join the circle!
You can help to reshape the gender landscape in tech. But given the challenges of college — intensive coursework, family responsibilities, sometimes holding down a job — you might need an occasional reminder of your power within. You’ll want supportive friends. Wise mentors. Break Through Tech Chicago’s community programs can help you to develop the network, self-confidence, and strong principles you need to thrive in the tech world.
Don’t be afraid to go into computer science or make other seemingly intimidating decisions ... You, too, can become a leader in tech and pave the way for others to change the world.
