APRIL 23-25, 2021

Powering Human Connection

Black Girls CODE is teaming up with Nike to host a virtual hackathon that will explore the intersection of sports and activism through the lens of technology. Dubbed Powering Human Connection, during the event our #futuretechbosses will develop innovative digital projects to cultivate community around matters they’re passionate about.

What is a hackathon?

A hackathon is an event designed to bring groups of people together as they work collaboratively to solve a wide-array of problems through computer programming. Black Girls CODE youth hackathons are education focused and allow students to work in teams with experienced mentors over a weekend building apps and tools.The hackathon encourages creativity and teamwork!

A virtual hackathon is a problem-solving competition that qualifying students can participate in across the US. Even though we are not able to be in person, we can connect with one another using online platforms and tools. Teams and mentors will connect with one another and present their solutions to a panel of judges. With access to the internet, a laptop, and cellphone, we will come together virtually to find solutions to the problems facing our communities.

FAQs

HACKATHON SCHEDULE

The Hackathon is from Friday, April 23rd to Sunday, April 25th.

Friday, April 23          

1:00PM PST/4:00 PM EST - Students Check in
2:00PM PST/5:00 PM EST - Session begins        
7:00PM PST/10:00 PM EST - End of the day


Saturday, April 24
8:30AM PST/11:30AM EST- Students Check in     
9:00AM PST/12:00PM EST - Sessions/Hacking resume        
6:00PM PST/9:00PM EST - End of the day   

Sunday, April 25
8:30AM PST/11:30AM EST - Students Check in
9:00AM PST/12:00PM EST - Sessions begins
12:00PM PST/3:00PM EST - End of Hackathon  

Detailed Schedules will be sent to families via email 7 days prior to the start of the virtual hackathon, as well as shared during Parent/Family Orientation.  Participants will also be reminded during Welcome each day. 


WHAT'S THE COST?

 

The hackathon is free to participants, thanks to our amazing sponsor Nike! Participation includes t-shirt and swags!

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?

The Hackathon is open to participants of all experience levels. All are welcome and encouraged to register, whether a participant has previous coding exposure or is new to coding and app development!

We invite participants fitting into the following categories to register today:

  • Girls of all coding levels/experience
  • Girls ages 12 to 17 years old
  • Girls who are interested in computer science, STEM, mobile applications, and gaming
  • Girls with access to a computer, cell phone and internet/web
  • Girls MUST BE available all three days of the Hackathon
  • All teams will present on Sunday, April 25 and there will be 5 finalist teams that go into the finals that day.
HOW DOES IT WORK?

Participants are placed into teams of four/five (4/5) participants with varying coding skills levels, along with three (3) volunteer mentors each with technical and non-technical expertise! Whether you are a master coder or a beginner, everyone is encouraged to participate!


WHAT TOOLS DO I NEED?
  • Laptop/computer
  • Cell phone 
  • Internet connection to participate
We will be engaging in web-based applications, so no downloads are necessary.

DO I NEED TECH EXPERIENCE?

“Hacking” is really just problem solving! You and your team will come up with a solution to a relevant problem and use the technical tools at your disposal to develop your solution. Each team will have two experienced mentors assigned to help work through the entire process. Students of all skill levels are encouraged to participate, even if you’ve never written a line of code. There will also be workshops to teach you all the necessary skills needed to be successful in the Hackathon.

The great thing about the hackathon is that all the information about the event will be presented on the first day! This gives everyone the opportunity to learn at the same time and to administer the same level of effort with the tools that will be provided! There is no pre-work needed.

For additional questions, please contact lenard@blackgirlscode.org.