Chicago State University
9501 S. King Dr.
Chicago, IL 60628
July 10 - 11, 2025
The Conference
Chicago State University and Illinois Broadband Lab is committed to increasing digital inclusion across the Northeast Region of Illinois. Conference participants will have the chance to collaborate with peers and learn from digital experts about how to increase digital access opportunities in our communities.
Who Should Attend?
Day 1: Thursday, July 10, 2025 - Navigator Focus
Calling all digital navigators and organizations that want to advance their community engagement and advance digital programming.
• New Navigators
• Veteran Navigators
• Organization Seeking to Implement
• Community Navigators
*Day 2 - Friday, July 11, 2025 : Community Focus - Sessions for Adults, Parents, Youth, Seniors
We welcome all families and community members to join us for a day of educational resources to engage in conversation about how to equip our communities with necessary information; Keeping our families safe when using the internet, creating educational opportunities, learn about financial resources and engage in STEM and hands-on activities. Participants will be eligible to receive a free device by participating in at least 3 sessions of the conference.
*One per household will have a chance to receive a free chrome book after completing the 3 conference sessions. Limited devices available. Previous device recipients are not eligible for a second device.
• Resources for Adults, Parents, Youth, Seniors to bridge the digital divide
• STEAM Sessions for Youth ( Pre-K- 12th grade)
• Art Hands-on Sessions ( Pre-K- 12th grade)
• Cybersecurity: Keeping Families Safe
• Conversations around Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Financial Security: Saving
• Navigating Telehealth
• Planning for Post-Secondary Education
Program At-A-Glance
Day 1: Thursday
9:00 am -9:50 am Registration and Check In
10:00 am -10:30 am Opening/ Welcome session of Conference
10:45 am - 11:30 am First concurrent sessions
11:40 am - 12:25 pm Second concurrent sessions
12:30 pm - 1:15 pm Lunch
1:25 pm - 2:15 pm Third concurrent sessions
2:25 pm - 3:00 pm Close Out
Day 2: Friday
9:00 am -9:50 am. Registration and Check In
10:00 am -10:30 am Opening/ Welcome session of Conference
10:45 am - 11:30 am First concurrent sessions
11:40 am - 12:25 pm Second concurrent sessions
12:30 pm - 1:15 pm Lunch
1:25 pm - 2:15 pm Third concurrent sessions
2:25 pm - 3:00 pm Close Out
Register
Day 1 Registration
Thursday, July 10, 2025 - Navigator Focus
Day 2 Registration
Friday, July 11, 2025 - Youth, Parents, and Seniors Focus
Call for Proposals
This Call for Proposals is for dynamic, innovative individuals and organizations to facilitate
a 45-minute, interactive break out session aligned with this year's theme, "Digital Communities in Action.”
If you are interested in presenting, please complete the proposal form no later than Friday, June 13, 2025. All proposals will be reviewed by the conference committee, and presenters will receive an update as to whether their session will be included in the event on Monday, June 16, 2025.
Proposals will be carefully reviewed to best support the needs of participants and the targeted focus of each day. Sessions must be structured as interactive activities or engaged discussions for 15 to 20 participants.
Important Information:
The conference has two main goals; supporting digital navigators and community members. You are able to submit a proposal one day or both days.
Day 1: Thursday, July 10, 2025 - Navigator Focus
Please address one of the following breakout sessions topic areas:
• Strategies for facilitating digital access and active learning
• Professional development for Digital Navigators
• Conversations around Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Expanding community partnership & collaborations
Day 2 - Friday, July 11, 2025 : Community Focus - Sessions for Adults, Parents, Youth, Seniors
Please address one of the following breakout sessions topic areas:
• Resources for Adults, Parents, Youth, Seniors to bridge the digital divide
• STEAM Sessions for Youth (K- 12th grade)
• Art Hands-on Sessions ( Pre-K- 12th grade)
• Cybersecurity: Keeping Families Safe
• Conversations around Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Financial Security: Saving
• Navigating Telehealth
• Planning for Post-Secondary Education
Submit a Proposal
Sponsors
Getting to Chicago State University
Coming from directions
North Lake Shore Drive South to Dan Ryan Expressway and at 95th Street (Exit 62).
South I-57 North to Halsted North exit to 95th Street East to King Drive.
West 290 East to 94 East to 95th Street (Exit 62).
East Lake Shore Drive to 95th Street West to St. Lawrence Avenue.
Parking
Free Parking
