Connected for Impact: How Schools, Nonprofits, and EdTech Are Shaping the Future of Learning and Work
Join us for an interactive evening celebrating the power of partnership to prepare the next generation for success in school, career, and life. Co-hosted by The Academy Group, Chicago Scholars, COOP Careers, CS4IL, The Edtech Institute of Chicago, FOHE (Future of Higher Education), Innovare, LEAP Innovations, and REACH Pathways during TechWeek Chicago, this event brings together edtech companies and their school, college, and nonprofit partners to showcase how collaboration is transforming learning and workforce pathways.
The evening kicks off with brief opening remarks on the urgent opportunity we face as AI, automation, and inequity reshape the world of education and work. Then, the room comes alive: visit tables hosted by real partnerships—edtech innovators paired with the educators and organizations implementing their tools in communities across Chicago and beyond. From elementary to workforce, explore how these partnerships are delivering impact where it matters most.
Our panelists include:
Dr. Andrea Messing-Mathie, Executive Director for LE3 and Undergraduate Innovation at National Louis University
Dr. Evan Glazer, President at Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Shayne Evans, Founder and President at The Academy Group
Norrisa Pearson, Instructional Coach - Enrichment at CICS Bucktown
Nicholas Freeman, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer at Innovare
Gabino Sanchez, Jr., Manager of Career Programs & Alumni Experience at One Million Degrees
Jeffery Beckham Jr., CEO at Chicago Scholars and Co-CEO at REACH Pathways
Attendees will receive a Partnership Bingo card — visit all the tables, hear their stories, and be entered to win a prize. Stick around for drinks, light bites, and networking with fellow educators, technologists, funders, and future partners.
This is a Tech Chicago Week recommended event.