Founded by two high school students in 2023, Silicon started with shady.Hacks, a local hackathon initiative for the schools of Pittsburgh. We saw the issue: a substantial gap of Computer Science interest—then we found out this wasn't just a local issue.
Claim your spot at shady.Hacks 2025→In the United States, only 60% of schools offer Computer Science courses. Of the 30 states that mandate CS curriculum, only 5.8% of the student body are enrolled in these classes. By 2030, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the CS-related job market will face a shortage of over 1.2 million openings.
Learn more→By breaking down these systemic barriers to entry at the high school level, the country can ensure a competitive workforce and population capable of driving technological advancements that uplift entire communities through their progress.
Fill our interest form→shady.Hacks, an initiative between both organization and Shady Side Academy, aims to expose Pittsburgh highschool students to Computer Science. However, we need community support to help us further our mission. Donations, enrollment, and volunteering, and all forms of support are central to the idea that we strive to make a reality.
Support today→