5/4/2010
Written by
The Seventh Annual ChicTech Retreat (pronounced "Sheek-Tek") was yet another successful event. Attendees were treated to workshops, fun games, awards, and honors as Illinois Department of Computer Science faculty, staff, students, advisors, clients, and volunteers staged the culmination of this year's Technical Ambassador's Competition (TAC) and Games for Girls Competition (G4G), part of the department's ChicTech Outreach program.
Every year, the Retreat recognizes the winners and participants of the Technical Ambassadors Competition with prize money, award certificates and acrylics. The TAC challenged teams of high school girls to develop a beneficial technical project for a non-profit organization in their community. Six teams (16 students) submitted a project for the competition. This year, NCWIT’s Illinois Aspirations in Computing Finalist were invited as well. Even female students who participated in the new TechJunket Workshops were invited as well. There were a total of 21 students at the Retreat.
The TAC winners received scholarship money and an Acrylic plaque for their projects. The TAC projects were judged by a panel of faculty and staff on criteria that included technical merit, creativity, completeness, group dynamics, and the usefulness of the product to the community. Each TAC participant received an award certificate.
The winning entries in the Technical Ambassador's Competition were: The Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center "Microchicks" (first place) who created a website tailored towards high school students to encourage them to read and participate in book discussions. The Vernon Hills High School “InterActAbles” (second place) created a website that helps the student volunteers connect with non-profit organizations. Also, The Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School "The Kankakee County Coadjutants" (third place) created a website that connects the community with help from other organizations. The first place team received $300 per team member, and the both second place and third place teams received $150 per team member.
2010 TAC Winners
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A website tailored towards high school students to encourage them to read and participate in book discussions
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Second Place:
Vernon Hills High School - InterActAbles -
"InterAct Club" |
Created a website that helps the student volunteers connect with non-profit organizations.
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Third Place:
Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School - The Kankakee County Coadjuntants - "Gateway Coalition" |
Created a website for The Gateway Coalition who are an association of a small team of volunteers who focus their time and energy into directing those in need to the places that can best meet their needs.
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Honorable Mention:
Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center - The NERDZ - Von Steuben Computer Science Dept. |
Created a website for their school ti promote the Computer Science courses to students in general. This website will let students access the different courses available.
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Created a website for the Kankakee County Animal Foundation (KCAF).
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Honorable Mention:
Lindblom Math & Science Academy -Eagles for Change -
"Kidz Korna” |
Created a new website for the Kidz Korna Organization that teaches at-risk youth, while preventing gangs, violence and abuse.
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