At Ctrl Shift, we know lasting impact requires both urgency and vision. Our goals are designed to grow deliberately — starting with small, high-quality pilot programs and scaling into a citywide movement that transforms how underserved students in Chicago experience technology, leadership, and opportunity.
- Send Us Email support@ctrlshift.org
Roadmap, Vision, Future Center
Our Goal
Year 1: Foundation and First Cohorts (2025–2026)
Our first year is about building a strong foundation.- Launch two pilot cohorts in partnership with community venues such as schools, churches, and nonprofits.
- Focus on digital foundations (Microsoft Office, internet literacy) and confidence-building.
- Begin weaving in coding basics and AI literacy to spark interest in emerging technologies.
- Establish a core volunteer mentor network of professionals in tech and business who can guide and inspire students.
- Build our first wave of corporate and community partnerships to secure resources, venues, and funding.
Year 2: Expansion and Specialization (2026–2027)
Once we’ve proven our model, we scale- Expand to four cohorts per year across multiple Chicago neighborhoods.
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Introduce specialized program tracks:
Coding & Web Development
AI Literacy & Emerging Tech
Leadership & Career Skills - Provide students opportunities to present their work publicly (e.g., community demo days or showcases).
- Develop a formal mentorship program, pairing students with long-term mentors from partner organizations.
- Begin building a scholarship fund to support graduates moving into higher education.
Year 3: Ctrl Shift Learning Center (2027–2028)
Our vision culminates in a dedicated hub for technology and leadership education.- Open the Ctrl Shift Learning Center in one of Chicago’s underserved neighborhoods.
- A state-of-the-art facility featuring computer labs, classrooms, co-working space, and a showcase area for community events.
- Serve as a permanent anchor where students can learn, innovate, and collaborate year-round.
- Expand partnerships with schools and corporations to integrate internships, apprenticeships, and project-based learning opportunities.
- Scale programming to hundreds of students annually, creating a pipeline of prepared, confident young leaders ready for advanced education and beyond.