Chicago TechPath
A place-based cohort bringing focused mentorship and community to emerging tech talent on Chicago’s South and West sides.
Who it's for
Chicago TechPath is for people who are early in their tech journey and ready to grow with support — career switchers, recent grads, bootcamp alumni, and self-taught talent connected to Chicago’s South and West side communities.
How the cohort works
1:1 mentorship
Matched with a mentor who meets with you regularly through the cohort.
Cohort community
Learn alongside peers on the same path, with group sessions and events.
Career connections
Access to partner employers, workshops, and real-world opportunities.
For mentees & mentors
For mentees
What you can expect from us
- Figuring out which tech path actually makes sense for your background & interests
- Understanding what skills you need to break into tech & how what you already know transfers
- Identifying & connecting with people who can actually open doors
- Building a tech network from scratch, with the right people
- Making the case for a promotion, a new role, or a bigger seat at the table
What we ask of you
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be based in the Chicagoland area
- Commit at least 16 hours over the 16-week cohort (about 4 hours a month) — you and your mentor set the cadence together
- Complete a short 15-minute pre-onboarding call with our team
For mentors
What you can expect from us
- A mentee matched to your specific skillset & comfort level
- Structured guidance & coaching on mentor best practices
- The fulfillment of seeing someone win because you showed up for them
What we ask of you
- Be 18 years or older
- Be based in the Chicagoland area
- Commit at least 16 hours over the 16-week cohort (about 4 hours a month) — you and your mentee set the cadence together
- Commit to at least one concrete “access action”: a warm intro to someone in your network, a referral to an open role, or insider knowledge someone new to tech wouldn’t have
- Complete a short 15-minute pre-onboarding phone screen
In their words
Cohort 1 is our first Chicago TechPath group. Here is what one of its mentors took from it.
One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that the most meaningful mentorship relationships do not have to end when a program does.
Throughout my career in tech, I have had people who took the time to guide me. I wanted to do the same. What drew me to Wevise was that they are doing it with intention, specifically for people from diverse and underserved backgrounds who deserve the same access to guidance that I was fortunate to have.
Watching my mentee confidence grow over time has been the most rewarding thing. We had real conversations about where they wanted to go, what was getting in the way, and what was possible. Seeing them take those conversations and actually do something with them reminded me how much it matters to have someone in your corner at the right moment. And honestly, I got just as much out of it. Every meeting brought a new perspective I had not considered.
Trust came from showing up the same way every time. Being honest about my own path, including the parts that did not go smoothly. Listening more than I talked. When someone feels like they can say anything without being judged, that is when the real conversations start.
Ali Syed
Technical Analyst, Northwestern Medicine
Be part of the Chicago cohort
Whether you want to join, mentor, or partner — Chicago TechPath is just getting started.
Alliance partners
The Chicago TechPath Alliance brings together organizations working to open tech pathways in Chicago.
Blacks In Technology · Code Your Dreams · Discovery Partners Institute · Northwestern Network Mentorship Program