Jersey City, NJ– On Saturday June 2nd, The Liberty STEM Alliance will host its first annual Hudson County Hackathon for 5th – 7th grade students at Liberty Science Center.
Beginning at 9am, the one-day mobile app creation competition will challenge 120 students from Jersey City Public Schools and Union City Public Schools to use coding and technology to identify and solve a current problem facing Hudson County.
Along with providing a platform for students to compete, expand learning in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, and develop skills in computer science, computing and information technology, and engineering, the Hackathon will allow students to push the envelope in creative thinking, problem solving, and hands-on learning.
Parents of participants will have the opportunity to learn the basics of design learning, coding and how to prepare for college and financial aid. Simultaneous translation in Spanish and Arabic will be available.
To meet the goals of increasing meaningful community participation in STEM, The Liberty STEM Alliance is currently seeking support for the Hackathon in the following areas:
- Volunteers to help with event set-up, event registration, day-of logistics, and event cleanup.
- College or graduate student mentors to assist the students as they design their projects. Knowledge of MIT AppInventor, Design Thinking and Pitching a Business is a plus.
- Business and industry mentors to assist the students as they design their projects. Knowledge of MIT AppInventor, Design Thinking and Pitching a Business is a plus.
- Business and industry partners who can provide judges to determine the Hack-A-Thon winner.
- Funding support to assist with event costs.
To volunteer or sponsor, sign up here: https://hackhudson.eventbrite.com
To participate in June 2nd’s event, please register here: https://hackhudson1.eventbrite.com
Additionally, if you are interested in getting involved, or have any questions, suggestions, or feedback, please contact either of the following representatives of the Liberty STEM Alliance:
| Jazlyn Carvajal
Latinas in STEM |
Lauren Morse
Liberty STEM Alliance |
The Liberty STEM Alliance is a renowned community dedicated to enriching STEM opportunities in Hudson County by incorporating all voices, creating pathways, and serving as an information hub. The Alliance has developed naturally though the strong, existing relations among Hudson County stakeholders (such as Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, Union City, Hoboken Public Schools, and Stevens Institute of Technology) in the advancement of STEM information.
Support for the Hudson County Hackathon has been generously provided to the Liberty STEM Alliance by:
- The New Jersey STEM Pathways Network via the Overdeck Family Foundation
- Latinas in STEM
- Jersey City Public Schools
- Union City Board of Education
You can learn more about the Hudson County Hackathon by visiting http://www.hackhudson.com.