NYC PIT Pop Up

Beneficial Computing ~ Building Technology for “We the People”: Digital Infrastructure for a More Perfect Union (Day One)
2026-08-04 14:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | NYC PIT Pop Up at The Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street, Shop #LL4345, Level LL4, New York, NY, 10006, United States
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, what does it mean to build technology worthy of the Constitution?
Join Beneficial Computing (501c3) a Robin Hood Foundation incubated civic tech nonprofit for a series of live presentations and demonstrations exploring how civic technology can strengthen the relationship between people, nonprofit organizations, and public institutions. Through projects spanning community data, public health, participatory user research, accessibility, UX design, and AI-powered policy tools, students and staff will explore how technology can make government more understandable, accessible, and usable.
The showcase concludes with a live demonstration of Beneficial Computing’s rules-as-code platform showing how complex public policies can be translated into transparent, human-centered digital tools. Day 1 will feature our anonymous SSI/SSDI screener and Day 2 will highlight our emergency response work supporting New Yorkers navigating SNAP ABAWD (able bodied adult without dependent) work requirements.
Our work as civic technologists begins with a big question:
How might digital infrastructure help deliver on the Constitution’s enduring commitment to “promote the general Welfare” and continue our collective work of building a more perfect Union?
As proud New Yorkers, we know our city has long been one of America’s greatest laboratories for democracy, building the infrastructure of opportunity—from parks, libraries, and the subway to pioneering public health initiatives, labor protections, and some of the nation’s most ambitious social programs.
Today, we’re excited to share one small piece of that next chapter: digital infrastructure that connects people to the public resources, rights, and services that help our communities thrive – all here in the Greatest City in the World 🗽🍎🍕

It's Our Phalt: Mapping Safer Streets, Byte by Byte
2026-08-04 14:00 - 18:00
Cycling is one of the most sustainable ways to move through a city. More riders means safer streets and a healthier city for everyone. But for cycling to be accessible, it has to be safe.
Using Level of Traffic Stress (LTS), a framework developed by urban planning researcher Peter Furth, Our Phalt rates every street in NYC on a scale from 1 to 4 based on speed limits, number of lanes, and the presence or type of cycling infrastructure. Layered with NYC collision data and other public datasets, the project helps cyclists identify safer routes and highlights where infrastructure improvements are needed most.
Our Phalt is as much a map as it is a journalistic endeavor: a way to visualize the city’s cycling infrastructure gaps and shift the conversation around street safety.

Summer PIT Stop: "Responsible AI Rangers!"
2026-08-05 11:30 - 18:00
Part 1/5 of our Summer PIT Stop workshop series – sign up HERE for sessions at 11:30am or 4:30pm!
At Responsible AI Rangers, campers become responsible tech trail guides learning how to use AI in ways that are fair, helpful, creative, and safe. Through hands-on challenges, team activities, and real-world examples, we’ll explore how AI can support learning, problem-solving, and community good: while also asking smart questions about bias, privacy, misinformation, and who gets left out. Campers will leave with a ranger-ready badge and toolkit for using AI with purpose, care, and confidence.
This workshop will explore what artificial intelligence is and how to navigate it in a responsible and ethical way.

Meet the Camp Leader: Nadia Santiago (she/her)
Hunter College, Computer Science
Bio: Nadia is a Puerto Rican, Bronx-born and raised student at Hunter College pursuing a degree in Computer Science. Growing up in the Bronx shaped her understanding of how access to technology and public resources can influence opportunities within a community, inspiring her interest in using technology as a tool for positive social impact. She is passionate about designing technology that is equitable, accessible, and centered on the needs of the people it serves. Her academic focus includes building strong foundations in software development, data structures, and problem-solving while exploring the ethical and societal impacts of computing. Through her coursework and projects, she aims to create technology that is not only technically strong but also inclusive, meaningful, and capable of addressing real-world challenges in underserved communities.

About this series: The NYC PIT Pop Up is the place for a summer camp-inspired, public interest technology series where curiosity, creativity, and community come together. Access is limited to the first 30 “campers”, so sign up now!
Each workshop will take place twice weekly, an early “Lunch Session” and a later “After-work session.” Join us and trade the summer heat for cool conversations, creative projects, and hands-on technology workshops that make a difference. Unlock free swag and earn $10 per workshop with a potential for up to $50 in cash stipend for attendance.

Beneficial Computing ~ Building Technology for “We the People”: Digital Infrastructure for a More Perfect Union (Day Two)
2026-08-06 14:00 - 18:00

Summer PIT Stop: "Community Tech Jamboree: Build It for the Block"
2026-08-12 11:30 - 18:00
Part 5/5 of our Summer PIT Stop workshop series – sign up HERE for sessions at 11:30am or 4:30pm!
It’s time to bring everything back to the block! At Community Tech Jamboree, campers come together to explore how AI, data, and community knowledge can be used to address real challenges and build stronger neighborhoods. Through hands-on activities, team brainstorming, and creative tech-for-good actions, we’ll imagine tools that help people, support local communities, and create real-world impact. Think of it as a camp-style showcase, idea lab, and neighborhood power-up session all in one.
Through hands-on activities, develop practical digital literacy skills, practice responsible AI use, and discover how technology can help solve personal and community challenges while creating and showcasing meaningful, real-world impact.
How can we use AI and community data responsibly to solve real problems in our communities while making sure the same people who are affected are involved in designing, building, and guiding how the technology is used?

Meet the Camp Leader: Ashley “Ashh” Peguero (she/her)
Lehman College, Data Science/AI and Business Administration

Bio: Ashley Peguero is a Bronx-born leader, advocate, mentor, researcher, and civic-tech founder dedicated to making information and opportunity more accessible. As a first-generation college student and founder of City Lens NYC, she uses data, AI, and community voice to build safer, smarter neighborhoods. She builds tools herself and teaches others to use AI for their own good and their communities.
Ashley is committed to closing the gap between underserved communities and the technology and opportunities that shape their lives, translating complex concepts into plain language people can understand, trust, and use. She works to bring people, information, and opportunity together, ensuring communities aren’t just included in decisions but empowered to shape them. Her work is proof that technology can be a force for good when it’s built by and for the communities it serves.

About this series: The NYC PIT Pop Up is the place for a summer camp-inspired, public interest technology series where curiosity, creativity, and community come together. Access is limited to the first 30 “campers”, so sign up now!
Each workshop will take place twice weekly, an early “Lunch Session” and a later “After-work session.” Join us and trade the summer heat for cool conversations, creative projects, and hands-on technology workshops that make a difference. Unlock free swag and earn $10 per workshop with a potential for up to $50 in cash stipend for attendance.

City Lens NYC
2026-08-13 14:00 - 18:00
citylensnyc.com
City Lens NYC is a civic technology platform that translates complex New York City data into accessible, usable insights for everyday people. NYC has one of the largest open data ecosystems, but most residents do not have the time, technical skills, or context to actually use it. City Lens closes that gap.
The platform lets users explore neighborhoods, understand zoning and development, ask questions about policies, and see how changes like gentrification, infrastructure projects, or permits affect their communities. It combines data storytelling with an AI-powered interface so users can ask real questions in plain language and get clear answers.
I am excited to include City Lens as a Public Interest Technology project because it focuses on accessibility, transparency, and empowerment. It is not just about data, it is about helping people understand what is happening around them and feel confident engaging with their city. Long term, I want this to become a tool communities, students, and organizers can use to make informed decisions and advocate for change. Showing in real time what translating datasets into visualization for the public looks like.

fomo.nyc (Day One)
2026-08-18 14:00 - 18:00
fomo.nyc is a community-built interactive map of upcoming events in the NYC area.
It works by visiting the websites of parks, museums, music venues, etc., identifying any upcoming events, and displaying them on a map.
This project is a labor of love and will always be free and open-source.
Creator Isha Mani will be present to help users explore this resource!

fomo.nyc (Day Two)
2026-08-20 14:00 - 18:00
