Pritzker Tech Talent Development
The Pritzker Tech Talent Development Labs take a systemic approach to developing promising and diverse tech talent. Our suite of computing-focused programs serve K-12 students and educators, community college and university students, and adult learners, to build more inclusive pathways into high demand tech jobs.
K–12 programs
PTTL’s programs start with middle school serving students as well as educators,
counselors, and administrators to help prepare the next generation of tech professionals.
Preparing students for tech pathways
PTTL offers programming for middle and high school students to develop college and career readiness skills focused in computing and tech-related fields.
Developing outstanding tech educators
To equip more teachers as trained tech educators, PTTL supports programming that includes UIUC’s CS endorsement program, targeted professional development, and resources for schools to improve CS education across Illinois.
Programs of college students
Whether they’re alumni of DPI programming or new to the organization, students from community colleges, four-year colleges, and graduate programs can develop or sharpen their technical and non-technical skills to pursue and excel in tech careers.
For community college students
Whether they plan to transfer to four-year programs or go directly into the workforce, community college students can boost their tech credentials.
For four-year college students
We offer internships as well as paid opportunities to mentor high school students. Organizations interested in hiring Summer Tech Interns should contact Karen Larson at kplarson@uillinois.edu.
Tech Talent Accelerator
Our Talent Accelerator program prepares adults from underserved and often overlooked backgrounds for in-demand technology jobs at corporate partners, advancing economic mobility and job readiness.
Start your tech career journey!
The Tech Talent Accelerator helps Illinois residents gain the skills needed to adapt and thrive in the digital economy
Trainees have gone on to positions at SAP, John Deere, Oak Street Health, UL, HCSC among other leading Chicago tech companies
Employers: Partner with PTTL
The Tech Talent Accelerator is an innovative, mastery-oriented upskilling program designed to match trainee skills and career aspirations with company needs.
Contact us if you are an employer in search of tech talent solutions
DPI’s Software Development Program: Confronting challenge, changing lives
Meet Matthew, Zipporah, and Ainsley, three of the apprentices in the Pritzker Tech Talent Labs’ Full-Stack Software Development Apprenticeship Program. Here, they talk about their journeys through the program and what fueled their desire to engage in this challenging and transformational experience. We also learn from an employer partner, SAP, about what it has meant for new talent to join their organization.
Discover What's New
Recent announcements from the Discovery Partners Institute.
Pritzker Tech Talent Labs 5-Year Impact Report
- DPI News
- December 10, 2025
Bridging academic silos with IMPACT
- DPI News
- December 8, 2025