Cross-Sector Partnership Expands Tech Pathways on Chicago’s South Side
The University of Chicago Data Science Institute (DSI) partnered with the Gary Comer Youth Center (GCYC), XChange Chicago, United Airlines, Girl Security, and Chicago Youth Works to launch GCYC’s Tech Pre-Apprenticeship Program– a paid, six-week experience designed to create accessible pathways into the data science field and inspire young adults to explore careers in technology.
Led and hosted by GCYC at its Greater Grand Crossing campus, the program welcomed 30 students from across Chicago for a summer of technical skill-building, professional development, and career exploration. Through a combination of classroom instruction, mentorship, and hands-on experience, Pre-Apprentices gained exposure to the growing opportunities available in data and technology careers.
As part of the program, DSI introduced Pre-Apprentices to foundational data science concepts and Python programming through lessons adapted from its Data4All High School Bridge Program. Students then applied those skills during a two-week experience at United Airlines’ Chicago headquarters, where they worked alongside professionals and explored how data is used to solve real-world challenges.
“[The Tech Pre-Apprenticeship] opened a door for me that I never knew existed,” said Jashawna Williams, a junior at Loyola University and 2026 Pre-Apprentice. “I left there feeling much more confident and informed than I ever imagined I could be.”
The Tech Pre-Apprenticeship program is supported in part by a National Science Foundation-funded Data Science Corps Initiative, which is helping build an ecosystem of educational institutions, community organizations, and industry partners committed to expand access to data science opportunities on Chicago’s South Side.
In partnership with Xchange Chicago, Gary Comer Youth Center, Olive-Harvey College, and Chicago State University, DSI supports the co-development of programs that help students who are underrepresented in STEM to explore data science pathways from high school through college and into the workforce. Xchange Chicago partnered to design this program as part of their Connected Tech Pathway initiative which creates opportunities to expose young talent to careers in tech and expose them to Xchange as a potential pathway for interest learners.
To support ecosystem partners, DSI shares curriculum, instructional resources, and lessons learned from the Data4All program. Developed to address limited access to data science education in many Chicago schools, Data4All introduces students to coding, analysis, and statistical thinking through hands-on work and real-world datasets.
Learning Through Real-World Challenges
Drawing on lessons adapted from Data4All curriculum and incorporating datasets provided by United Airlines, DSI preceptor Dr. Jennifer Blanc guided students through core concepts in data science and data analysis. These experiences prepared Pre-Apprentices for their on-site work and demonstrated how technical skills can be applied in professional contexts.
“Seeing the students progress from basic programming to running hypothesis tests and creating their own data visualizations in a few short weeks was extremely rewarding,” said Dr. Blanc. “These skills are applicable across many disciplines and I’m excited to see what the Pre-Apprentices do next.”
At the United Airlines Headquarters in Willis Tower, Pre-Apprentices worked with the company’s Data Analytics team on a real-world case study focused on TSA PreCheck. The students analyzed data to identify trends across demographic and age groups, gaining first-hand experiences with the types of questions data professionals work on. Along with Lunch and Learn sessions featuring professionals from across the company, the experience exposed participants to a range of technology and professional careers.
“They didn’t just complete the assignment – they kept asking sharp questions about the data that pushed the analysis further than we expected,” shared Akin Akinlawon, Senior Manager of Strategy and Advanced Analytics at United Airlines. “I think this is a great program to encourage young curious minds to pursue the world of data analysis and feel empowered on how real meaningful actionable insights can be created through their curiosity and personal viewpoints.”
The experience culminated in presentations to United Airlines staff, where students shared findings, insights, and recommendations.
Looking Ahead: A Model for Cross-Sector Collaboration
The Tech Pre-Apprenticeship program demonstrates the power of collaboration among educational institutions, community organizations, and industry partners to expand access to technology and data science education and career opportunities. For many students, the program provided a clearer understanding of the pathways available to them.
“I watched apprentices come in unsure of their voices and leave presenting original tech solutions to a professional audience,” said Cynthia Smith, Program Instructor at the Gary Comer Youth Center. “We focused on skills that exist beyond any one tool: design thinking, data literacy, critical thinking, and the confidence to stand up and share your ideas.”
This program serves as one of several connected pathways being developed across Chicago’s South Side through this network of partners. From here, students can continue exploring technical training opportunities at XChange Chicago or pursue further education through institutions including Olive-Harvey College, Chicago State University, and the University of Chicago.
Through partnerships like the GCYC Tech Pre-Apprenticeship Program, students gain the skills, confidence, and connections needed to pursue their next steps in technology and data science. DSI remains committed to advancing community-centered data science by connecting students with meaningful learning experiences, real-world data applications, and pathways into education and careers.