Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) has partnered with Amazon at SIL4 in West Humboldt Park, Chicago, for an event aimed at advancing STEM education in the city’s public schools. The gathering welcomed over 50 Chicago Public Schools principals, administrators, and educators. DPI's representatives, affiliated with the Chicago STEM Ecosystem, spearheaded the initiative alongside Amazon.

The event centered on the importance of providing students with hands-on experiences in robotics and technology. Attendees were introduced to Amazon’s Future Engineer platform, which offers free educational tools and curriculum tailored to inspire and prepare students for careers in computer science and engineering.

“We’re thrilled for our long-standing collaboration with Amazon to bring real-world STEM experiences to Chicago Public Schools,” said Mark Harris, Director of the Pritzker Tech Talent Labs at the Discovery Partners Institute. “We’re committed to empowering students, educators and administrators to build a deeper understanding of the applications of technology across our regional ecosystem to inspire more of our young minds to pursue tech pathways."

"By providing more exposure to and awareness of computing and technology, we’re helping to bridge the gap between education and careers in these fields—shaping the future of both our local communities and the world," said Harris. 

The event is part of a broader effort to align Chicago Public Schools with cutting-edge technology and prepare students for future careers in the fast-evolving fields of robotics, AI, and computer science. 

This initiative is a continuation of efforts by both DPI and Amazon to strengthen educational resources in underserved areas, ensuring that students from all backgrounds have access to the skills they need to succeed in the tech-driven workforce of tomorrow.