Hackathon: Coding for a Better CommunityShare this pageShare on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linkedin
CODING FOR A BETTER COMMUNITY:
Work with a team to design an application that makes the world a little better!
Tuesday, March 18th, 2025
(Registration is now closed)
Hackathon General Information
If you bring a laptop, an open mindset, creativity, and a lot of enthusiasm, then we'll provide the rest!
Specific topics will be presented by community members the day of the event. Working in a team you'll design, develop, and share your ideas. Professional mentors will be available onsite to help you, as needed. We'll have an exhibit at the end of the day where all teams will showcase their work.
Tuesday, March 18, 2025:
- 8:30 am – 9:30 am – Check-in (Main Lobby of TLC Building)
- 9:30 am – 10:15 am – Opening talks
- 10:15 am – 12:15 pm – Coding session
- 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm – Lunch (provided)
- 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Coding session
- 3:15 pm – 4:00 pm – Presentations by teams
- 4:00 pm – 4:20 pm – Quiz Bowl
- 4:20 pm – 4:30 pm – Recognition of outstanding teams
It is recommended that you bring a laptop if you are able. We also recommend that you bring a mouse and a power cord for your laptop. We will have a limited amount of loaner laptops for participants who are not able to bring their own laptop.
Hackathon FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Hackathon?
A Hackathon is an event where teams of students design and implement software within a very short time-frame.
The participants do not need to have mastered technical skills, like programming, before the hackathon. They can learn from each other and from mentors at the event.
Who Can Participate?
Teens, aged 13-18 who are currently in middle, junior high, and/or high school can participate.
Do I need to be part of a team?
If you know other students, you can team up already before the Hackathon. But you can also join a team onsite. A team should consist of 3-4 students.
What if I can’t code?
That is not a problem. We will get you started. Throughout the entire event, there will be professional mentors to help you code. We will use the Scratch programming platform from MIT that has been designed for youth programmers. If you are familiar with MIT APP Inventor, you may also use this visual programming environment as well. Every team needs more than programming expertise to excel. Teams must design applications around an issue or topic relevant to our communities (e.g., Poverty or Mental Health) as well as present their applications during the showcase at the end of the event.
If you would like to play around in Scratch before the Hackathon, it's free, easy, and fun, and we highly recommend it!
How much does it cost to participate?
The registration fee is $10 per participant by check or cash at the event.
Can I implement any application?
At the beginning of the Hackathon, a community leader will introduce the theme for the event. The theme will be an issue in our community that can be tackled through the development of an application using Scratch or MIT App Inventor. Each team will work with the event mentors to identify an application that addresses some aspect of the theme for the event with the required programming platform.
How do I register?
A teacher, or your parent or guardian, will have to register you. If you are already 18 years old, you may register yourself. To register, please complete this form
2025 Hackathon Location TLC Building
2025 Winners Hackathon
Upper Division: Glenn Cavin, Jacob Dunlop, Alric Ivey
Lower Division: Devyn McQuate, Omarian Graham, Stephanie Ogbodo, Dara Bamgbola
Upper Division: Kourtney Wachiuri, Kennedy Nickles, Verity Steinbauer, Liam Jennings
Lower Division: Hailey Gray, Cordelia Garrett, Lilly Tucker
Upper Division: Peyton Lee, Olivia McCauley, Iniam Giwa
Lower Division: Bree Knight, Christina Jiang, Omar DeJesus, Simranjeet Kaur