of high-schoolers that pursue science, technology, and engineering is not high enough to fill the job openings within Chicago’s growing technology sector. In 2008, Mayor Daley recognized the workforce need and challenged us to create a public school that would match students with the right curriculum, teaching approach and connections to industry to inspire a new generation of technology leaders.

Unlike other successful urban high schools, Chicago Tech Academy doesn’t impose barriers like location, money, or skill level on acceptance. We seek students that are motivated by the power of technology and excited about special opportunities to build critical relationships within their desired field.

Outside of standard subjects like math and reading, students take 2 technology classes per day, learning everything from mobile app development to project management. By the time they’re seniors, students are able to work on a team consulting clients on their development and design needs. Many students are being held to a higher academic standard than they have been their entire life, and it’s working; ChiTech students show 2-5 times more academic growth in a year than the average CPS student.

Students are also paired with a dedicated, one-to-one mentor as part of Generation Tech Mentoring. Mentors guide career exploration and set high expectations for students. Students learn how to think and act like a professional from their mentor.

We’re in our third year and looking forward to graduating our first class in 2013. We’re currently in the process of scaling up Generation Tech Mentoring and launching ChiTech Labs, an innovative partnership model that gives students resume-building experience through joint projects that create value for our partner companies.