This isn't your typical lab - when you join the Sandbox Lab, you have the chance to learn the basics of Swift coding, explore creative applications with Apple technologies, and learn about spatial computing. No experience? No problem. This lab is for everyone!

The Sandbox Lab is supported by Apple through the company’s Community Education Initiative.

No experience? No problem.

Everyone is welcome. Sandbox Lab participants explore the “why” behind coding applications. Our curriculum has been developed to help participants boost their career prospects, learn Swift syntax and fundamentals and stretch their creative minds. Getting involved in Sandbox programming means you’ll be joining a community of next-gen doers. Ready to dive in? 

  • Swift Basics Participants in this 9-week program commit to two synchronous weekly meetings and are ready to sit for Swift certification at the end.

  • Everyone Can Create What do Apple Pencils, podcasts and stop motion films have in common? You can learn about them in this four session program!

  • Spatial Computing Explore augmented reality (AR) & virtual reality (VR) to understand how the Apple Vision Pro (AVP) will change how we interact with computers.

Interested? Register today!

Upcoming Events & Programming

Sep 1 2025
cluster shapes sandbox

Swift 101

9/1/25–12/11/25
Sandbox Lab - Innovation Center

Spring 2025 Sandbox Lab Hours

SP25 Lab Hours

The Sandbox Lab is open only when staffed for open hours or when lab sessions are being held. Each week, the lab is open for 20 hours of programming and office hours. Teaching Assistants, lab staff and faculty are here to support students, faculty and UIC community members.

  • TA Office Hours: The Lab’s teaching assistants, Arham and Mitra, are available for weekly office hours and can help lab participants on Swift coding questions, live demonstrations or tech questions.
  • Accessibility Training & Open Hours: Adero Knott, the lab’s Innovation and Accessibility Coordinator, will host weekly drop in hours for UIC community  members interested in learning how to make tech more accessible.
  • Swift 101 Course: This course is for pre-registered participants. The lab is not open to non-course related hours during these blocks.
  • Community Open Hours: Yesenia Estrada hosts weekly community open hours to create an inviting environment and facilitate community connection and collaboration.

NOTE: The lab will be closed the week of May 5th-9th, 2025.

Meet the Team

Fellows Bios

Muhammad Arham and Mitravinda Manjunath are the AY 24-25 Sandbox Fellows. Lab fellows deliver lab curriculum and extra help via workshops, bootcamps, office hours and 1:1 sessions.

Arham is in his first year of UIC’s Computer Science master’s program and is involved internationally in helping expand access to coding.

Mitra is in her second year of UIC’s Computer Science master’s program and is a seasoned teaching assistant.

Questions? Contact Arham or Mitra directly!

 

Community Collaborators: Yesenia and Mariln

Yesenia Estrada and Marilyn Diaz are here to make lab participants feel welcome and supported. The community collaborators recruit lab participants, manage lab culture and track engagement in programming.

Yesenia is in her first year at UIC. She brings almost a decade of professional recruiting experience and a personal and professional passion for creating welcoming and equitable learning environments.

Marilyn has an extensive background in higher education and community outreach. Marilyn is passionate about empowering the next generation of Latino leaders and strives to provide her students with the guidance needed to succeed.

Questions? Contact Yesenia or Marilyn directly!

Community Collaborators: Yesenia and Elaine

Adero Knott is a UIC student and entrepreneur majoring in disability and human development. Adero is a passionate advocate for persons with disabilities and is a champion for the lab’s accessibility programming.

Elaine Harvey is the Associate Director for Innovation at UIC and an experienced program director with 15 years of experience in higher education programming, leadership and project management. Elaine is passionate about creating engaging co-curricular programming and mentoring students.

Questions? Contact Adero or Elaine directly!

Accommodation Statement: Posted Notification

The UIC Innovation Sandbox Lab encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any accommodation or have a question about the physical access provided, please contact: Adero Knott, Innovation and Accessibility Coordinator, aderok@uic.edu, (773)219-8683.

Please inform us as soon as possible of your access needs to ensure your success and comfort during our programs.

University Partners