Purpose: To unite changemakers committed to transforming elementary computer science education, empowering every student to see themselves as builders of the future.
The BootUp Summit is a by-invitation-only gathering of visionary leaders shaping the future of computer science and artificial intelligence in elementary education. Hosted in collaboration with national partners and sponsors, this landmark event will convene state and district decision-makers, classroom educators, technology innovators, policymakers, and researchers to chart a bold, equitable path forward for elementary CS and AI education.
October 5 | Welcome
Opening Reception and Sponsor Expo at The Study at the University of Chicago.
October 6 | Building Hope, Shared Purpose, & Systemic Understanding
A full day at the Home Court of the Obama Presidential Center focused on developing a shared vision, examining systems-level challenges, and strengthening coalitions across sectors. The day concludes with a special Teacher Leader Recognition Reception in the Center’s Museum building.
October 7 | From Possibility to Practice
A half-day at The Study at the University of Chicago dedicated to hands-on, workshop-style sessions where participants will transform insights into practical strategies for advancing CS and AI education in schools and communities nationwide.
Attendance is limited to invited participants to ensure meaningful dialogue, deep collaboration, and actionable outcomes for the field. For questions or invitation requests, please contact BootUpSummit@bootuppd.org.
The 2026 BootUp Summit kicks off with a welcome reception at The Study at the University of Chicago.
Agenda
| 3:00 PM | Registration opens | Lobby |
| 5:00 PM | Exhibitor Showcase opens | Winter Garden |
| 6:00 PM | Welcome Reception and Exhibitor Showcase | Winter Garden |
A full day at the Obama Presidential Center focused on developing a shared vision, examining systems-level challenges, and strengthening coalitions across sectors. The day concludes with a special Teacher Celebration and Showcase reception to celebrate educators transforming classrooms in Chicago Public Schools. Carla Strickland, Director of Programs for STARS Computing Core, a Broadening Participation in Computing Alliance, will serve as MC for the day.
Agenda
| 8:00 AM | Networking and Breakfast | The Home Court |
| 9:00 AM | Welcome and Introduction Carla Strickland, Director of Programs for STARS Computing Core, a BPC Alliance Why this Moment Matters | |
| 9:20 AM | Opening Keynote: Brenda Darden Wilkerson, President and CEO, AnitaB.org
Fireside Chat: Brenda Darden Wilkerson, Lien Diaz, and Carla Strickland | |
| 10:20 AM | Break | |
| 10:30 AM | Fireside chat: What Should Elementary Students Actually be Learning in the Age of AI?
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| 11:20 AM | Panel Discussion: Levers for change: How do we strengthen Elementary CS education through policy?
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| 12:00 PM | Lunch and Networking | |
| 1:15 PM | Deepening the Conversation: Small Group Discussions | |
| 1:30 PM | Panel Discussion: Who Benefits, Who Builds, Who Leads? Creating an Inclusive AI Future
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| 2:00 PM | Flash talks: Community-Centered Research
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| 2:40 PM | Break | |
| 3:00 PM | Deepening the Conversation: Small Group Discussions | |
| 3:30 PM | Fireside chat: Community, Culture, and Code: Centering Indigenous Knowledge in CS Classrooms
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| 4:00 PM | Perspectives from Chicago Public Schools Leaders and Educators Fireside chat:
Panel Discussion:
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| 6:00 PM | Chicago Educator Celebration Reception and Showcase Featuring presentations and demonstrations from our Computer Science Education Trailblazer awardees:
| Special Exhibits Gallery |
Building on prior work informed by K-12 practitioner committees at the 2026 RESPECT Conference, The Chicago Conversations will bring participants together for a half-day at The Study at the University of Chicago. Through focused working groups, attendees will reflect on insights and perspectives surfaced throughout the Summit, and translate that collective learning into practical, actionable strategies to advance CS and AI education in communities nationwide. Key outputs from The Chicago Conversations will be published and shared to extend the learning beyond Chicago and contribute to broader field-building efforts.
Agenda
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast and networking | Winter Garden |
| 9:00 AM | From Curriculum to Systems Change: Rethinking Teaching, Learning, and Leadership with BootUp PD
| Winter Garden |
| 9:30 AM | Synthesis and Framing for The Chicago Conversations
| Winter Garden |
| 10:00 AM | The Chicago Conversations Conversation A: Designing Equitable AI-Supported Learning Experiences for Elementary Classrooms
Conversation B: Expanding the Ecosystem Without Losing the Foundation: Sustaining CS Education Infrastructure in the Age of AI
Conversation C: Bridging Practice and Research toward Community-Centered Approaches
Invite-only session: CS/AI Policy Session for State Leaders
| Drafting rooms 1, 2, 3, studio 1 |
| 11:30 AM | Break | |
| 11:45 AM | Collective Action Session: What Will We Build Together? Carla Strickland | Winter Garden |
| 12:00 PM | Final reflections and takeaway lunch Lien Diaz | Winter Garden |
| 1:00 PM | Adjourn |
