Competition to host 64 teams in a multi-stage elimination tournament to
raise funds for Code Nation, Chicago Tech Academy, I C Stars and Yearup.

CHICAGO (July, 2023) — T4Youth, a Chicago-founded philanthropic organization that uses the power of table tennis to connect tech companies to aspiring young technologists in low-income circumstances, announced that it will return this year at a new venue, AceBounce in Chicago.

Last year we raised over $140,000+ dollars to unlock new educational opportunities in tech for Chicago’s underserved youth. Over the course of its nine year history, T4Youth has donated over $700,000 for 501(c)(3)s that activate technology learning opportunities for Chicago’s youth.This kind of intentional community building is essential to finding, supporting, and launching the next generation of technology talent.

T4Youth focuses on increasing access to STEAM education because, across the country, only 25% of under-resourced high schools offer computer science (CS) classes, which limits the ability of their students to pursue careers in the growing tech industry. While Chicago was the first major city in the country to launch a CSforAll initiative and institute a CS high school graduation requirement, inequitable access remains a huge challenge. The annual ping-pong tournament has become driving force in bridging the divide between industry leaders and underserved youth.

Code Nation, Chicago Tech Academy, I C Stars and Yearup will be recipients of this year’s proceeds. Code Nation is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that mobilizes tech communities to help young people gain the skills, experiences, and connections that together create access to careers in technology. Chicago Tech Academy (also known as ChiTech) is an educational community whose mission is to educate, empower, and connect a diverse next generation of entrepreneurial thinkers to discover their passions, succeed in college, and thrive in a digital world.

Since 1999, i.c.stars has been identifying, training, and jump-starting technology careers for low-income young adults who, although lacking access to education and employment, demonstrate extraordinary potential for success in the business world and for impact in their communities. In addition to driving impact through direct service and strategic partnerships with employers, talent providers, and policymakers, Year Up is committed to addressing the root causes of the Opportunity Divide in this country and creating pathways to opportunity at broad scale.

The tournament will be held at AceBounce, a unique and vibrant entertainment venue located in the heart of Chicago. This one-of-a-kind establishment combines the thrill of ping pong with a lively atmosphere, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The building’s central location, with easy access to both retail and transit options, makes it the perfect meeting place for tech leaders and promising Chicago youth.

Team registration for T4Youth has already begun, with several companies already registered and training. With a cap of 64 teams, the bracket is expected to fill up quickly. Team registration packages start at $1,500 per team, and companies can register directly at T4Youth.org. The popular “Executive Challenge,” a singles tournament that matches up C-suite individuals, is also open for registration at the T4Youth website.

Previous Tournament Winners Include:

• 2022: Magnetar Capital
• 2019: Magnetar Capital
• 2018: Hudson River Trading
• 2017: Blue Cross Blue Shield Illinois
• 2016: Enova
• 2015: Slalom
• 2014: DRW

There are numerous sponsorship opportunities for the event as well; companies interested in sponsoring can email Ryan Pollock at rpollock@oprecruiting.com to learn more.

“It’s exciting to be in our 10th year of service to the Chicago community. By establishing partnerships with companies like Aleysian, Talent Stacker, and FinTech Digital we now have the capabilities to increase awareness around our efforts and the wonderful supporters of the program.” commented Ryan Pollock, T4Youth co-founder and founder of tech recruiting firm Objective Paradigm. “This year we plan to enter the Salesforce ecosystem and provide training and access to jobs! We look forward to sharing the collective success of everyone that is involved in making T4Youth do impactful to the community!”

OCC is proud to sponsor T4Youth and help support STEAM education initiatives for underserved youth in the communities where we live and work.”
-Carla Dawson, OCC Chief Human Resources Officer

About T4Youth

T4Youth is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the advancement of STEAM education for minority and low-income students. Through its annual table tennis competition, T4Youth brings together Chicago’s tech ecosystem to support STEAM education initiatives. T4Youth has raised over $700,000 since 2014. To learn more about T4Youth, visit T4Youth.org or follow @T4Youth on Twitter.

About Code Nation

Code Nation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that mobilizes the tech community to help more young people gain the skills, experiences, and connections that together create access to careers in technology. With a volunteer teaching corps of nearly 300 professional web and software developers, Code Nation mobilizes the tech community to provide tuition-free coding courses and work-based learning programs to students who attend under-resourced high schools. To learn more, visit codenation.org or follow @itsCodeNation.

About Chicago Tech Academy

Chicago Tech Academy is an educational community whose mission is to educate, empower and connect a diverse next generation of entrepreneurial thinkers to discover their passions, succeed in college and thrive in a digital world. To learn more about the Chicago Tech Academy, visit chitech.org or follow @ChiTechAcademy on Twitter.

About IC Stars

i.c.stars works to activate a technology community of change agents to power social and economic freedom. Working with low-income young adults, providing them with employment opportunities and preparing them for community-based advocacy allows us to achieve our social purpose. To learn more about I C Stars, visit www.icstars.org

About Year up

Year Up’s mission is to close the Opportunity Divide by ensuring that young adults gain the skills, experiences, and support that will empower them to reach their potential through careers and higher education. To learn more about Year Up visit www.yearup.org

T4Youth Media Contact:
Alicia Palmer
Fintech Digital
Alicia.Palmer@fintechdigital.com

Canal Station Media Contact:
Cailin Rogers
Alta Via
crogers@altaviaconsult.com
612.806.8737