HACKATHON
The Young Innovators Hackathon is a two-week business and STEM innovation challenge for elementary and middle school students, running November 9th to 23rd. Students choose one of three global problems based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (plastic pollution, renewable energy access, or food waste and hunger) and design a detailed, STEM-based solution. Teams of 1-3 submit a 5-7 minute recorded presentation and a written summary of 100 words or less, and each division is judged separately.
The event kicks off live on November 9th at 7:00 PM EST with an introduction to the challenges, a walkthrough of the rules and rubric, a Q&A, and breakout rooms for brainstorming. Participants then get two workshops on researching real-world problems and on slide design and public speaking, both recorded for anyone who can’t attend live. Along the way, students research their challenge, refine their solution, and build and record their presentations.
Submissions are judged on creativity, STEM application, problem understanding, feasibility, and presentation. Winners will be announced at our award ceremony on Saturday, December 5th at 7:00 PM EST, with gift card prizes for the top three teams, honorable mention awards, and participation certificates for everyone. The hackathon gives young students early exposure to problem-solving, innovation, and communication while showing them how STEM can make a real impact on the world.
Flyer
