2026 Everyone Can (Code + Create) Programming Series Interest Form

2026 Summer Programming Series

deadline extended to apply is Sunday May 17, 2026 @ 11:59 PM (CST)
"Everyone should have the opportunity to create something that can change the world." -- Apple

The Everyone Can (Code + Create) Chicago programs are set-up to enable anyone to learn a new skill.

No experience needed. Just INTEREST and COMMITMENT.

You must be between 16 and 24 years old by June 22, 2026 and live in the City of Chicago to be eligible.

Learn more about the summer program offerings at Everyone Can Code Chicago (eccChicago.org)

PROGRAM DETAILS:
- 6 week program
- June 22 to July 31, 2026
- 20 hours a week | 120 in total
- Hybrid: in-person time commitment varies by program -- from 8 to 12 hours
- Each participant will be paid to learn; $17.00 an hour or $2,040 (120 x $17.00)
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY:
- Participants must be between the ages of 16 and 24
- Participants must live in the City of Chicago; for college students your home address is valid
PROGRAM SELECTION PROCESS:
- STEP 1: Review application
- STEP 2: Confirm participation in referring program (if applicable)
- STEP 3: Invitation to a brief interview (if needed)
In the meantime, we encourage you to submit a 2026 Summer employment application with Chicago Youth Works (chicagoyouthworks.org). Make sure on the Opportunities page you select Chicago Dept of Family & Support Services as one of your employment options.

Contact eccinChicago@gmail.com for any questions.

CHECK ELIGIBILITY

Your primary residence must be in Chicago and you must be between the ages of 16 and 24.
My primary home address is in Chicago
Birth Date

MonthDayYear
Age
Program Start Date (For Age Calculation)

MonthDayYear
Date
Unfortunately {fullName122}, you are not eligible for the Everyone Can (Code + Create) chicago programming series based on your age - {age}!

You must be between 16 and 24 years old by June 22, 2026.
Unfortunately {fullName122}, you are not eligible for the Everyone Can (Code + Create) Chicago programming series since your primary home addess is not in Chicago!

SECTION I: CANDIDATE INFORMATION
Full Name

First NameLast Name
Email :
make sure you enter an email address that you check regularly; this is the primary method that you will be notified from us about next steps
Cell Phone:
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Gender
Race
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code
Zip Code
Current Education Status
High School
Grade Level
College Name
College Major

FILL OUT CHICAGO YOUTH WORKS: 2026 SUMMER APPLICATION
In preparation for the next step in the selection/placement process into the program (final decisions), please fill out a 2026 Summer Opportunies application in the Chicago Youth Works employment portal (chicagoyouthworks.org) — this is how you will get paid if accepted into the program.

This should only take 15 minutes.

One Summer Chicago Application
- Go to Chicago Youth Works website: https://chicagoyouthworks.org/
- Click on Summer Jobs -> Apply
- Login/Create a Chicago Youth Works account
- From your profile, scroll down to the Current Opportunities section, and submit a '2026 Summer Opportunities' application
- When in the application, on the Opportunities page, make sure 'Chicago Dept of Family & Support Services' is selected
If you already completed a 2026 Summer Opportunites application, please log back in and make sure you selected 'Chicago Department of Family & Support Services'.

After submitting the application, please take note of your confimation Summer 2006 APPLICATION ID an 8 digit code.
Enter Your Summer 2026 APPLICATION ID
8 digit code (e.g., 0552830C)
Link Source

SECTION II: PROGRAM PREFERENCE(S)

To learn more about the program offerings go the Everyone Can Code Chicago (eccChicago.org) website.
In this program, you’ll learn how to design and build your own iOS apps using SwiftUI and Xcode. You’ll work with AI-powered coding tools that help you generate, refine, and debug code, and use rapid prototyping techniques (vibe coding) to bring ideas to life quickly.

You’ll collaborate in teams and apply what you learn through hands-on, project-based learning, building apps that reflect your interests and creativity.

A basic overiew of the iOS App Development training program (Canva Presentation):

What areas would you like to explore as you build iOS apps?

You can skip this — all participants learn core iOS app development.

Select up to two areas of interest.
You selected Entrepreneurship & Startups. Would you be interested in being considered for the App Accelerator: Startup Edition program?

This is a highly selective program (up to 12 participants) focused on building and launching an app idea in a fast-paced, team-based environment. Selected applicants may be invited to a short interview as part of the selection process.
Visualize the Culminating Showcase Event

Click on the invitations from the last two Code + Create Showcase events @ Apple Michigan Ave to explore the top projects featured.
Additional Participant Projects
view an iOS App team project
view an iOS App team project
view an iOS App team project using machine learning (launched in App Store)
view an iOS App team project (launched in App Store)

AI + Creativity

This program is designed for participants to embark on an imaginative journey, pushing the boundaries of creativity with AI-assisted tools. You will discover how AI can enhance and inspire your artistic and creative expression that culminates in a showcase event featuring your innovative creations.

Creativity Required!

Program Format: Hybrid
In-Person Location: Downtown or Surrounding Area

view what is possible with spatial computing
view an Augmented Reality student project
view an AI + Creativity student project

SECTION III: ESSAYS

Remember there are limited slots available in the Code + Create summer programming series. This information will be used as part of the program selection process.
Tell a 6-word story about your secret superpower.

Exactly 6 words — be creative!0/6
PART A: QUICK RESPONSES

Short answer — keep each response to 1–2 sentences
What specifically caught your interest about this program?

(one to two sentences)0/50
What are you most curious about when it comes to technology or apps?

(one to two sentences)0/50
PART B: PERSONAL STORY

You're welcome to use tools to help organize your thoughts, but your responses should reflect your real experiences and voice. We're most interested in your perspective - there are not "perfect" answers.
Tell us a story about a time you tried to learn something new or do something challenging. Share what happened and what you learned.

(recommended length 100 to 200 words)0/2000
I confirm that my responses reflect my own experiences and thinking.

SECTION IV: REFERRAL INFORMATION

Everyone Can (Code + Create) Chicago has partnered with several organizations that provide STEAM-related programming either in-school or out-of-school to provide you with this special opportunity -- if selected.
Were you referred to this program?
Please indicate which program/organization referred you.
Please provide the program/organization name.
Name of Individual

SECTION V: OTHER
For the iOS App Dev Program
below are the tentative training locations (subject to change)

Arturo Velasquez Institute (Near South)
2800 S Western Ave Suite, Chicago, IL 60608

Kennedy-King College (Near South)
6301 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60621

Illinois Tech (Near South)
3137 South Federal Street, Chicago, IL 60616

Northeastern Illinois University | El Centro Library and Resource Center (Northwest)
3390 N Avondale Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

University of Illinois Chicago | Innovation Center (West)
1240 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60607

Truman College (North/Central)
1145 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
For the iOS App Program: please select preferred program location.
please note that you may need to travel outside your preferred location
Have you previously participated in an Everyone Can Code + Create Program?
Please specify the program you were in.
Please tell us how you learned about this opportunity
Notes
outline any potential scheduling conflicts you may have
Acknowledgement of Commitment
Should be Empty:

2026 Summer Programming Series

CHECK ELIGIBILITY

SECTION I: CANDIDATE INFORMATION

FILL OUT CHICAGO YOUTH WORKS: 2026 SUMMER APPLICATION

SECTION II: PROGRAM PREFERENCE(S)

SECTION III: ESSAYS

PART A: QUICK RESPONSES

PART B: PERSONAL STORY

SECTION IV: REFERRAL INFORMATION

SECTION V: OTHER