First off, what is a Hackathon*?  

A hackathon is an event where individuals come together, usually in teams, to engage in collaborative design and computer programming over a short and intense duration. The name “hackathon” is a portmanteau of the words “hack” (in the sense of exploratory programming, not illegal activities) and “marathon.” 

Here are some key points about hackathons: 

  • Objective: The primary objective of a hackathon is to create a working prototype of a new software application or improve an existing one. This could be a web app, mobile app, software tool, or any other type of software project. For Stride’s use case, we primarily address how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used internally and externally for the organization.  
    • Clickable demo 
    • Prototype  
    • Video demo   
  • Duration: Hackathons are time-constrained events. Most will be 8-10 hours over a week. 
  • Themes & Topics: While some hackathons are open-ended, many have specific themes or challenges that participants must address. For example, a hackathon might focus on internal tools for curriculum development or improving enrollment through bots. In most cases, Stride teams will provide a couple of prompts to work from.  
  • Participants: Hackathons attract a mix of software developers, designers, project managers, and subject matter experts. They collaborated intensively to create a prototype. 
  • Rewards: Many hackathons offer prizes for the top projects. This could be monetary, opportunities for further development, or even chances to work with sponsoring companies. 
  • Benefits: Beyond the potential for prizes, participants benefit from the experience by networking, learning new skills, collaborating intensively, and sometimes gaining visibility in the tech community. 
  • Locations: While many hackathons are in-person events, there are also virtual hackathons, especially due to the rise of remote work and global collaboration. 
  • Organizers: Hackathons can be organized by various entities, including tech companies, nonprofits, universities, or even motivated individuals. 

Hackathons represent a unique blend of intense collaboration, creativity, learning, and problem-solving, and they have become an essential part of the tech landscape. 

*Created by ChatGPT 4.0 – edited by Dave Parker  

Orientation Powerpoint

The live version of the document here for future events.

Visual Communications Tools

Simple to Complex

  • Canva – is a free tool (registration required) ​
  • Miro – is a tool for “wireframing” or creating a design for your product (mobile app, website). The link is to the free version of the tool. You can ​
  • Figma – is the tool the designers will use to take your idea and make it cool… You can signup for the FREE Starter Version (registration required) ​​

Final Presentation Tools

Daisy by CreatorUp

Also, note that folks should click the “Start Creating” or “Sign In” button since we’ve already approved their access (not “Try Daisy Risk Free”).

Daisy Onboarding Video here, no Password required.

Supporting Documents here

Final Pitches

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