Creative Computing in Education Course Showcase
2026-05-18 12:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
This event will showcase creative computing final projects from a College of Staten Island course that explores how P-12 in-service teachers can use code for artistic expression. These projects will address community-based challenges (specific topics to be determined). Our goal is for participating teachers to implement these practices in their own classrooms, with their P-12 students subsequently presenting their work at the Pop Up.

Wiki-Play Friday
2026-05-29 14:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-26 14:00 - 18:00
Wikimedia New York City invites you to Wiki-Play Fridays, a pop-up exhibition and laboratory of wiki-based immersive design gaming at the World Trade Center Oculus in Lower Manhattan.
These are Friday afternoon events (2-6pm), held once per month. There will be demos and playtesting of wiki-games and novel modes of interaction, both digital and tactile.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Meetup/NYC/Wiki-Play_Fridays

Tech for Safer Cities: Tackling Gender Based Violence for Women & Youth - #NYTechWeek
2026-06-03 11:00 - 18:00 | NYC PIT Pop Up at The Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street, Shop #LL4345, Level LL4, New York, NY, 10006, United States
Sessions: 90 mins each
11 am to 1230 pm – RSVP here!
0230 pm to 4 pm – RSVP here!
Open engagement: 12:30 – 2:00 pm and 4:00–6:00 PM (meet the teams, demos, conversations)
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most underreported human rights violations globally, disproportionately affecting women, youth, and vulnerable communities who often face barriers to reporting, limited access to support systems, and a lack of trust in institutions.
This session brings together Red Dot Foundation Global, Catcalls of NYC, Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team and If Possible AI, in collaboration with The NYC PIT Pop Up, an activation of CUNY Public Interest Technology Lab, to explore how technology can make invisible harms visible, amplify survivor voices, and strengthen public accountability.
To make the experience more participatory and hands-on, the session will be delivered as an immersive solution showcase and rotating demo lab rather than a traditional panel.
Participants will explore practical, community-driven technologies and creative approaches that address gender-based violence, strengthen civic participation, improve public decision-making, and support safer, more inclusive communities.
This event is part of #NYTechWeek – a week of events hosted by VCs and startups bringing together the tech ecosystem. Learn more at www.tech-week.com.

What problem are we addressing?
GBV is pervasive, but the data needed to prevent it is incomplete, biased, or absent, particularly for immigrant women.
Barriers include:

Fear of authorities and immigration consequences
Limited digital access and literacy
Cultural stigma and language gaps

As a result, cities are often designing safety systems without the participation or data of those most at risk. Most tech solutions optimise for efficiency, not equity.
This creates a persistent gap between lived experience and institutional response.

What solution will this session offer?
We focus on community-driven, tech-enabled approaches that close the gap between lived experience and institutional response:
Citizen-generated data (Safecity) → Identifying patterns and informing policy
Public storytelling and visibility (Catcalls of NYC) → Shifting norms and reclaiming space
Open-source mapping (Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team) → Enabling inclusive, geospatial decision-making
AI-powered advocacy and fundraising (If Possible AI) → Democratising access to funding

Format (90 minutes, interactive)

We will present 4 case studies and have an interactive segment for participants to share their perspectives through a Collective Reflection Wall. We seek inputs on: How can citizen-generated data improve public decision-making? What makes technology inclusive and trustworthy for immigrant and marginalised communities? How can data, storytelling, and mapping work together to create safer cities? What would it take to scale these solutions in your community? The responses will be synthesised into a practical framework for designing ethical, inclusive public interest technology.

Speakers

Gillian D’Souza Nazareth – Treasurer, Red Dot Foundation Global
Sophie Sandberg – Catcalls of NYC; Chalk Back

Colleen Cook – If Possible AI

DK Benjamin – Senior Tech Lead Humanitarian, OpenStreetMap

Open Engagement (12:30-2:00 PM and 4:00–6:00 PM)
An informal space to:

Experience live demos (Safecity, Mobile Pathways, mapping tools)
Explore collaboration opportunities
Engage directly with practitioners working at the intersection of tech, gender, and migration

CUNY Tech Prep at NYC PIT Pop Up
2026-06-04 14:00 - 18:00 | NYC PIT Pop Up at The Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street, Shop #LL4345, Level LL4, New York, NY, 10006, United States
Join CUNY Tech Prep and PIT @ CUNY at the NYC PIT Pop Up for a day of demos and conversation!

Three group projects will be demoed, focusing on promoting public good related to transportation, recreation, and finance:

HerRide: HerRide is a community-based carpooling platform that helps women travel together more safely and comfortably. The app connects verified women riders and drivers heading in the same direction through real-time route matching and an interactive map interface. Created to address safety concerns around commuting alone, HerRide offers a more trustworthy and community-oriented alternative to traditional rideshare services. By Rafayet and Damaris
WeatherorNot: WeatherOrNot is a web-based application developed to provide users with accurate and actionable weather information in order to support informed decision-making for outdoor activities, particularly sports. The application collects weather data and presents it in a clear interface, allowing users to quickly determine whether current and forecasted conditions are suitable for outdoor sports. By: Haim, Joseph, and Tommy
Worthwise: WorthWise is a college return on investment (ROI) planning application that helps students make informed decisions about higher education. The platform enables users to compare colleges and programs, calculate true costs (tuition, housing, and living expenses), and project financial outcomes based on post-graduation earnings data. Users can analyze ROI, debt-to-income ratios, payback periods, and compare up to four scenarios simultaneously. The application integrates data from trusted government sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, HUD, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and Energy Information Administration. By: Karina, Kyame, and Fardin

CUNY Tech Prep is a year long technical and professional development program for CUNY computer science and related majors to learn in-demand technologies, master professional soft skills, and land great tech jobs in NYC. CTP is supported by CISDD (CUNY Institute for Software Design and Development) and NYC TTP (New York City Tech Talent Pipeline).

Affective Landmarking - An App to Close Read with Your Emotions
2026-06-16 14:00 - 18:00 | NYC PIT Pop Up at The Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street, Shop #LL4345, Level LL4, New York, NY, 10006, United States
Come interact with a tool that turns close reading into a color spectrum. Affective Landmarking is an annotation style where readers highlight passages in a text and tag them with emotional responses, such as fear, joy, etc. Those tags are visualized in real time, mapping the diverse reading experiences to reflect emotional clusters, overlaps, or disappearances across a text.
The project was experimented with in a first-year writing classroom at Queens College, where students read Claudia Rankine’s Citizen and annotated their responses together.
AL asks: What happens when emotions drive analysis, and subjective experience is valued, especially when reading controversial texts? This project treats that data as relational and participatory. Going forward, this style could open up possibilities for comparative studies across classrooms, organizations, and communities, asking people to read slowly in the age of quickness.
Come try this process, engage with the app, and learn more!

Bio: This project was built by Meha Gupta, a PhD candidate at the CUNY Graduate Center, where she works at the intersection of digital humanities, affect theory, physics, and race and ethnic studies. She teaches at Baruch College.

Du Bois Does Data: Juneteenth at the Oculus — Presented by Radical Imagination (Day One)
2026-06-19 17:00 - 20:00 | NYC PIT Pop Up at The Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street, Shop #LL4345, Level LL4, New York, NY, 10006, United States
This is part of a three-day weekend of presentations from Radical Imagination celebrating Juneteenth by exploring the legacy of W.E.B. DuBois.
35 years after slavery, Du Bois set out to provide a definitive image of the Negro condition in the United States. His data efforts not only quantified economic parity or lack thereof, he also focused on where people lived, and how they lived. During the 1900 Paris Exposition, he shared his findings with the world. But how do those findings hold up 125 years later? What has changed? Has anything stayed the same? At Du Bois Does Data, engage with his visuals, portraits, and data in a multi-sensory experience. Scents derived from the life and experience of W.E.B. Playlists charting the course of Black American music from his birth to his death, a day before the “I Have A Dream Speech.” Books celebrating his work and a first edition copy of his completed passion project, Africana. Curated vintage stamps in his image, portraits, and his article in Africana will serve as activations for A/R experiences, bringing the nostalgia into the palm of your hand. In Du Bois Does Data, we also used Python to evaluate the condition of Black Americans 125 years after his exhibit using Census data in 6 Jupyter Notebooks.
Bio: Mike Spade (Radical Imagination) is a Learning Strategist focused on bridging the gap between historical scholarship and immersive technology. With a background in instructional design and a passion for data storytelling, this latest project represents the intersection of education, history, and emerging tech. Over the past few years, the Queens native has split time working for The Knowledge House and studying with the Community Sensor Lab at the Advanced Science Research Center in Harlem. He is currently showcasing Du Bois Does Data, the first offering from the Radical Imagination Cultural Technology Studio.

Du Bois Does Data: Juneteenth at the Oculus — Presented by Radical Imagination (Day Two)
2026-06-20 12:00 - 18:00

Du Bois Does Data: Juneteenth at the Oculus — Presented by Radical Imagination (Day Three)
2026-06-21 12:00 - 18:00

CUNY AI Lab’s Inference Arcade *RESCHEDULED*
2026-07-09 14:00 - 18:00 | NYC PIT Pop Up at The Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street, Shop #LL4345, Level LL4, New York, NY, 10006, United States
*This event has been rescheduled to July 9th, 2026, from 2:00pm-6:00pm.
The CUNY AI Lab (CAIL) is a faculty- and staff-led initiative based at the Graduate Center that supports experimentation with AI by teachers and researchers across disciplines. Funded by the Office of Academic Affairs and jointly administered by Graduate Center Digital Initiatives, the Teaching and Learning Center, the Mina Rees Library, and the American Social History Project, the Lab builds infrastructure aligned with the university’s public-serving mission. Our experimental tools frame generative AI as a set of techniques that can be prototyped, evaluated, and iteratively developed, with user agency and explicit retention policies at the center of our approach to critical making and public advocacy.
During our demo at NYC PIT Pop Up, visitors will be encouraged to explore Agent Studio (a tool that facilitates research workflows for data exploration and visualization), Site Studio (a tool to build websites through conversation), and our dedicated sandbox environment (via Open WebUI) for general experimentation. We will also showcase media processing tools for image description, audio transcription, and optical character recognition. Lastly, visitors will be able to try our game-based applications, which include Cloze Reader (an AI-enabled reading game featuring Project Gutenberg texts), JeopardyLM (a customizable game-based learning tool), and a prototype where visitors can prompt AI models to play games and evaluate their performance in real time.

Summer PIT Stop: "Camp Data Trails"
2026-07-15 11:30 - 18:00 | NYC PIT Pop Up at The Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street, Shop #LL4345, Level LL4, New York, NY, 10006, United States
Part 1/5 of our Summer PIT Stop workshop series – sign up HERE for sessions at 11:30am or 4:30pm!
At Camp Data Trails, campers become digital trail guides, following the clues to discover how personal and community data is collected, shared, sold, and used by companies, organizations, and governments. We’ll learn how to spot data risks, ask smarter privacy questions, and build a toolkit for protecting ourselves and our communities.
This 60-minute educational workshop helps students, professionals, and families understand how personal data is collected and utilized by corporations and governments. Participants will evaluate everyday technology risks, analyze AI-powered algorithms, and build a customized Digital Safety Toolkit to strengthen their online security and protect community digital rights.

Meet the Camp Leader: Mohammed Fahim (he/him)
Hunter College, Economics & Neuroscience

Bio: Mohammed Fahim is a rising senior at Hunter College studying Economics and Neuroscience. He is passionate about using data, technology, and research to solve real-world problems and improve access to opportunities for underserved communities. His experience spans healthcare analytics, consumer insights, public service, and community-focused research. This summer, he is excited to explore how public interest technology can help people better understand and navigate the systems that impact their daily lives.

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 Hall, Decoded
2026-07-21 14:00 - 18:00 | NYC PIT Pop Up at The Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street, Shop #LL4345, Level LL4, New York, NY, 10006, United States
Every day, the decisions city officials make shape our neighborhoods. From city council votes and school board meetings to housing ordinances and zoning policy — yet many residents never hear about these decisions until they already happened.
The Common News is building a new model for civic engagement centered on one simple idea: everyone deserves to understand what’s happening in the community they call home. Rather than overwhelming people with jargon, we focus on making complex local issues clear, accessible, and relevant so residents and organizations can stay informed about the policies, projects, and conversations that impact them the most.
At this interactive demonstration, you’ll explore how The Common News combines technology with public documents to make local politics more accessible. Whether you’re passionate about journalism, civic engagement, or simply want stronger, more connected communities, we’d love to share what we’re building and hear your perspective on the future of civic engagement.

CivicChat *POSTPONED
2026-07-21 14:00 - 18:00 | NYC PIT Pop Up at The Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street, Shop #LL4345, Level LL4, New York, NY, 10006, United States
The Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) is a vital resource for New Yorkers, investigating allegations of police misconduct to ensure transparency and trust. While the CCRB maintains an extensive database of thousands of annual grievances, navigating this information can be a hurdle for the average resident or civil rights advocate. CivilChat was created to bridge that gap.
CivilChat is an intuitive chatbot designed to make CCRB data more accessible than ever. Instead of navigating complex databases, users can ask plain-language questions to uncover specific insights. The tool intelligently converts these questions into queries that search through official records, summarizing the findings into clear responses.
By turning raw data into meaningful conversation, CivilChat empowers New Yorkers to better understand the systems meant to protect them. Our goal is to support both the community and public agencies in their shared mission of accountability and excellence in service to New York City.

Summer PIT Stop: "The Case of the Stolen Deed"
2026-07-22 11:30 - 18:00 | NYC PIT Pop Up at The Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street, Shop #LL4345, Level LL4, New York, NY, 10006, United States
Part 2/5 of our Summer PIT Stop workshop series – sign up HERE for sessions at 11:30am or 4:30pm!
Something strange is happening in the neighborhood: homes are vanishing on paper, signatures are appearing like ghosts, and property records may not be what they seem. In “The Case of the Stolen Deed”, campers become Deed Detectives investigating the spooky world of deed theft: how it happens, who it harms, and why it matters. Then we’ll explore how smart contracts and blockchain technology could act like digital ghost-hunting tools, helping communities track ownership, spot suspicious changes, and protect homes from disappearing into the shadows.
This workshop will explore blockchain technology and the ways in which smart contracts can help to protect housing rights, prevent deed theft, and minimize tentant-landlord issues.
Can blockchain technology and smart contracts help to protect housing rights, prevent deed theft, and automate housing in NYC?

Meet the Camp Leader: Brayan Daniel “BD” Feliz (he/him)
Hunter College, Psychology

Bio: BD Feliz (Brayan Daniel Feliz) is a designer, photographer, researcher, and writer. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in The Bronx, BD’s work is rooted in community and committed to addressing the systemic injustices faced by underrepresented groups around the world. Grounded in storytelling and movement-building, his interdisciplinary approach integrates design, technology, and research to amplify voices, challenge dominant narratives, and develop tools for a more democratized world. He is passionate about storytelling, democratizing spaces, and dismantling systems of oppression.

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.

Project Watchtower: ICE Data Explorer *POSTPONED
2026-07-23 14:00 - 18:00 | NYC PIT Pop Up at The Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street, Shop #LL4345, Level LL4, New York, NY, 10006, United States
This event has been postponed – check back for a new date soon!
Project Watchtower is a publicly accessible web platform that compiles and visualizes data on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and spending, including arrests, enforcement-related deaths, detention statistics, and federal budget expenditures. Drawing from government datasets and credible reporting, the site translates complex information into interactive charts, maps, and visualizations that make immigration enforcement data accessible to any audience.
At this event, attendees will go beyond browsing the website. A virtual reality experience will immerse visitors in real-world data on active ICE detention centers and the individuals impacted by enforcement actions, putting the human cost of these policies into vivid perspective. Participants will also have the opportunity to share their own voices and stories, contribute their backgrounds to the conversation, and learn about the countries most affected by current immigration targeting.
Together, the website, the VR experience, and the interactive participation components turn Project Watchtower from a data resource into a living dialogue. It fosters transparency, amplifies affected voices, and deepens public understanding of the immigration enforcement crisis.
https://ice-data-explorer.onrender.com/#

NDIF Presents: "Does AI work the way we think?" (Day One)
2026-07-28 14:00 - 18:00 | NYC PIT Pop Up at The Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street, Shop #LL4345, Level LL4, New York, NY, 10006, United States
Most people interact with AI every day but have no way to see inside it. Workbench (https://workbench.ndif.us/) is a free tool that changes this. Built by the National Deep Inference Fabric (NDIF), Workbench lets anyone explore how AI models work inside without writing a single line of code. At this crucial moment when AI is shaping hiring decisions, healthcare, and public information, the ability to interrogate these systems shouldn’t be reserved for elite researchers with access to expensive compute. Workbench makes understanding the inside of AI accessible to students, journalists, policy advocates, and curious members of the public.
Join the NDIF team in person to try out Workbench and explore what this tool can do to demystify AI!

Summer PIT Stop: “Camp Black Box - How AI Sees Words”
2026-07-29 11:30 - 18:00 | NYC PIT Pop Up at The Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street, Shop #LL4345, Level LL4, New York, NY, 10006, United States
Part 3/5 of our Summer PIT Stop workshop series – sign up HERE for sessions at 11:30am or 4:30pm!
At Camp Black Box, we’ll peek under the hood of large language models and turn invisible AI magic into something you can see, touch, build, and even print. Campers will discover how words get chopped into tokens, how sentences can become 3D shapes, and how AI maps language in strange hidden spaces. Through hands-on experiments with point clouds, embeddings, and 3D printing, we’ll turn prompts into objects and then ask the big campfire questions: What does AI actually understand? What does it totally miss? And why should we care?
This workshop will allow participants to better understand how AI models are made and potential ways certain biases can occur.

Meet the Camp Leader: Catherine McCulloch (she/her)
CUNY Graduate Center, Data Analysis and Visualization
Bio: Catherine is a maker and designer based in Brooklyn, New York. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Data Visualization and is particularly interested in data physicalization, where she can combine her hands-on making skills with data visualization. Passionate about transforming complex information into accessible knowledge, she believes that technological literacy and understanding should be available to everyone. Catherine is a certified Kayak instructor and in her free time loves kayaking on the East River. She also enjoys working in ceramics.

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.

NDIF Presents: "Does AI work the way we think?" (Day Two)
2026-07-30 14:00 - 18:00 | NYC PIT Pop Up at The Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street, Shop #LL4345, Level LL4, New York, NY, 10006, United States

Beneficial Computing ~ Building Technology for “We the People”: Digital Infrastructure for a More Perfect Union (Day One)
2026-08-04 14:00 - 18:00 | 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 | NYC PIT Pop Up at The Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street, Shop #LL4345, Level LL4, New York, NY, 10006, United States
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 | NYC PIT Pop Up at The Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street, Shop #LL4345, Level LL4, New York, NY, 10006, United States
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 | NYC PIT Pop Up at The Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street, Shop #LL4345, Level LL4, New York, NY, 10006, United States

Summer PIT Stop: "Community Tech Jamboree: Build It for the Block"
2026-08-12 11:30 - 18:00 | NYC PIT Pop Up at The Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street, Shop #LL4345, Level LL4, New York, NY, 10006, United States
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 | NYC PIT Pop Up at The Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street, Shop #LL4345, Level LL4, New York, NY, 10006, United States
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 | NYC PIT Pop Up at The Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street, Shop #LL4345, Level LL4, New York, NY, 10006, United States
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 | NYC PIT Pop Up at The Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street, Shop #LL4345, Level LL4, New York, NY, 10006, United States
