Break Through Tech Chicago Competitors

Girls Who Code is dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology, with the goal of reaching 5 million girls, women, and nonbinary individuals by 2030. Our mission is to inspire, educate, and champion girls, women, and nonbinary people, with a special focus on historically underrepresented groups, to become changemakers in tech. We are committed to increasing access to the technology field for all, equipping the next generation to thrive in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other transformative technologies shaping the 21st century. Since launching in 2012, Girls Who Code has reached over 760,000 students through our in-person and virtual programming. Of these, 330,000 alumni are now college or career-aged, ready to lead in tech. Girls Who Code has sparked culture change through marketing campaigns and advocacy efforts, generating 14.9 billion impressions globally, with notable campaigns such as Doja Code, the world’s first codeable music video with Doja Cat. Girls Who Code has been named The NonProfit Times' Best Nonprofits to Work For three years in a row and recognized as one of Fast Company’s Brands that Matter.

Pursuit (formerly known as C4Q) is a social impact organization that creates transformation where it's needed most. Through our AI-Native Program, we train adults with the most need and potential to become the next generation of AI-powered builders. Our Builders are hired by leading companies like JPMorgan Chase, Citizens Bank, Uber, Blackstone, Citi, Zscaler, iCapital, and Poll Everywhere, and on average go from making $18,000 to over $94,000 yearly. Pursuit's innovative model combines partnerships with employers, government, and philanthropy to close the skills gap in the AI economy and re-envision funding for outcomes-based organizations. By connecting talent with opportunity, we empower Builders to bring change to their families, their communities, and the future of work. We are not just a short-term bootcamp. Our AI-Native Program is a structured journey from zero AI experience to job-ready. Builders progress through a series of levels, from the foundations of building with AI through team-based capstones with real industry partners. Each level deepens technical mastery, professional skills, and industry fluency. Helping our Builders get their first job is just the start of our long-term commitment to their growth. Through the Pursuit Good Job Agreement, Builders pay nothing upfront and only contribute back once they secure a job paying $85,000 or more. Pursuit stays with our Builders well after their first hire, with continued coaching, technical learning, and individualized support.