hackGC not offered in 2024.
The Wilson Center for Innovation and Leadership is instead sponsoring a week-long competition in spring 2024. Visit the InnovateGC website to learn more about our new program and lineup of professional mentors.
What is hackGC?
hackGC was an annual weekend-long event where Grinnellians came together in teams to collaborate, innovate and build a solution (Minimum Viable Product/Prototype) to help alleviate a social justice issue. No coding or engineering experience was necessary. Students from all majors were welcome and encouraged to participate, brainstorm, and implement solutions with us.
As students at a small liberal arts college with a small CS department, we were as aware as anybody else that there often seemed to exist a “coder:non-coder” binary. Another purpose of hackGC, therefore, was to bridge that divide by offering an inspiring keynote address, an excellent line-up of technical mentors, and an exhilarating hacking experience.
This event was sponsored by the Wilson Center for Innovation and Leadership.
Individual and team registration can be found at https://hackgc.sites.grinnell.edu/information/links/
Prizes
1st place team: $500 Per Member
2nd place team: $300 Per Member
3rd place team: $150 Per Member
What is a hackathon?
Hackathon is like an “invention marathon”. Anyone who has an interest in technology has the opportunity to learn, build, and share their creations over the course of a weekend in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. You don’t have to know how to program and you certainly don’t have to be majoring in Computer Science.
Who can participate?
We welcome any and all Grinnell students who are willing to work as a team to solve an issue! This event is not only for CS majors. You aren’t even required to have ever attended a hackathon before!
What can we build for hackGC?
Website, mobile app, a game (text-based is fine!), statistical model, machine learning model, data visualization, a Shiny app, design sketch, or even just a well-thought-out idea! If you are wondering whether a piece of technology is eligible for hackGC, the answer is yes!
Why Attend?
Explore Entrepreneurship
hackGC is all about learning through the act of creating. Don’t just listen to theory, build your own strategy, and test it as you go.
Improve Society
hackGC is an opportunity to make something for the greater good. After all, we are a hackathon for social justice.
Build Your Network
This isn’t just a happy-hour. hackGC attracts the community’s best makers and do-ers. By spending a weekend working on solving real-world problems, you will build long-lasting relationships and possibly walk away with a cool story that could lead to a job or a potential company.
Learn From Professionals
Speak and learn from mentors with a wide variety of backgrounds. Master business, innovation, and social justice strategies, with input and advice from the experts.
Hone New Skills
Step outside of your comfort zone. With a whole weekend dedicated to letting your creative juices flow, hackGC is a perfect opportunity to test your innovative prowess.
