BootUp National Summit: Shaping the Future of Computer Science & AI in Elementary Education
October 20–22, 2025
The Study at the University of Chicago | Chicago, IL
The BootUp National Summit is a by-invitation-only gathering of visionary leaders shaping the future of computer science and artificial intelligence in elementary education. Hosted in collaboration with national partners and sponsors, this landmark event will convene state and district decision-makers, classroom educators, technology innovators, policymakers, and researchers to chart a bold, equitable path forward for elementary CS and AI education.
Summit Highlights
- Inspiring Keynotes – Hear from industry pioneers, national thought leaders, and education innovators as they share strategies to transform the CS and AI education landscape.
- Equity & Access in Focus – Explore solutions to close opportunity gaps, improve quality, and ensure every student, especially those historically excluded, has the tools to thrive in a digital world.
- Workforce & Economic Impact – Examine how early, equitable CS and AI education can strengthen the U.S. economy, expand the workforce pipeline, and create pathways to high-demand, high-paying careers.
- Collaborative Breakouts & Networking – Engage with peers from across the nation to design actionable strategies that elevate elementary CS and AI implementation in schools and communities.
Together, we are advancing a national movement to ensure students, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, or zip code, have access to high-quality CS and AI education from the earliest grades. This work will create lasting educational equity and prepare the next generation to lead in a rapidly evolving technological world.
Program Overview
Speakers to be announced soon!
October 20th
5:00 – 8:00pm - Opening reception and catered dinner
October 21st
8:00am - Networking Breakfast
9:00am - Welcome and Introductions
9:30am - Opening Keynote
10:30am - Networking break
10:50am - Panel: How Early Tech Exposure Shapes the Future Workforce
12:00pm - Catered lunch
1:00pm - Flash talks: Creating Opportunity for Students in Every Community
1:30pm - Panel: Measuring Success and Impact in Elementary CS Education
2:00pm - Breakout discussions
2:45pm - Networking Break
3:00pm - Plenary: Building community for Elementary CS Educators
3:40pm - Break and networking
4:00pm - Panel: Educator Voices
5:00pm - Reception
October 22nd
8:00am - Breakfast
9:00am - Closing Keynote
9:30am - Panel: Serving every student in the age of AI
10:15am - Breakout Discussions
10:45am - Networking Break
11:00am - Breakout readouts, closing remarks and next steps
11:30am - Grab-and-Go Lunch
Agenda subject to change.
Stay Connected
Although attendance at the summit is by invitation only, we welcome you to stay informed about BootUp’s work and receive updates on future events. Please email info@bootuppd.org to be added to our mailing list.
