Our annual Tech Capstone introduces middle school girls from all across the city of Chicago to computer science topics in a fun and interactive way. This year, each girl has been turned into a superhero with the power of technology on their side.

Disaster has struck Chicago, and a malicious computer virus has attacked all the phones and computers in the city. It’s time for these girls to save the day! Girls will work in teams to learn how they can use technology as a superpower through a series of hands-on activities led by University of Chicago students and professors covering exciting topics in computer science. The day will be kicked off with a super keynote speaker, and a panel of powerful women will lead a lunchtime panel and discussion.

Technology is an extremely empowering tool for young girls to be able to create change and build compelling solutions to problems they care about. We want our students to envision themselves as superheroes and feel excited about the possibilities technology presents them and their futures!

Schedule:

09:30 AM - 10:00 AM Registration
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Opening Ceremony
11:00 AM - 11:50 PM Activity 1
12:00 PM - 12:50 PM Lunch
01:00 PM - 01:50 PM Activity 2
02:00 PM - 02:50 PM Activity 3
03:00 PM - 03:50 PM Activity 4
04:10 PM - 05:00 PM Closing Ceremony

Drop off:

Ida Noyes Hall
1212 East 59th Street
Chicago, IL 60637

Late drop off (after 11am):

Kent Chemical Laboratory
1020 E. 58th St.
Chicago, IL 60637

Pick-up:

Edward H. Levi Hall
5801 S Ellis Ave.
Chicago, IL 60637

FAQs:

How much experience should my student have?

We welcome any and all levels of experience! The goal of our event is to get girls excited about technology; all we ask is for an open mind and a willingness to learn.

I am a parent/teacher/guardian, can I attend the event as well?

While we are excited that you would like to join us, we currently do not have the necessary support to cater to more than than our participant capacity for our students. Please feel free to reach out to us via email if you have any questions or concerns!

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

Campus North (Ellis) Garage, located at 5525 South Ellis Avenue, is a paid parking garage near our event. There is also street parking on 60th, 59th, 57th, 55th, Ellis, University, and Woodlawn Ave on the University of Chicago Campus.

compileHer is committed to ensuring that our programming is accessible to all students. Please reach out directly to us at compileher@gmail.com if the costs of travel from your home to the University of Chicago campus is prohibitive, and we may be able to help partially subsidize transportation expenses.

What if my student needs to leave early/arrive late from the event?

While ideally, we would love to have your student stay for the entirety of the event, we understand that this is not always possible. If your student needs to leave early or arrive late, please email this information to compileher@gmail.com with the word "Attendance" and your student's name in the subject line. We want to have all registered participants accounted for at all times and establishing communication early on helps us make sure that things go smoothly and we are able to inform your student's group mentor of your student's whereabouts.

Can I ask for two students to be placed in the same group?

Group assignment takes into account student schools and grade levels, but is otherwise random. If the two students are the same grade, there's a chance that they will end up in the same group; however, there are no guarantees because groups assignments shift as new students are confirmed off the waitlist up to the day before the event.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Please email all questions to compileher@gmail.com.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

You do not need to bring a printed ticket to the event.

Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends?

We use the names given on student tickets to assign groups and create lanyards for each attending student. It is important to us that these names are correct and that we have a ticket for each student (to guarantee group placement and dietary accommodations). Please edit your registration information or contact us if you need to change the registration details.

Should my student bring their own lunch or is lunch provided?

Lunch will be provided (at no cost) and will accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, halal and kosher dietary needs. If your student would prefer to bring food from home for lunch, that is fine as well.