WIT Hackathons
(formerly Smart City Saturday hackathons)
Earn college-credit + a chance to win $1000
want to host a
WIT Hackathon?
“Getting the chance to use my voice and share my ideas made me feel empowered. I was able to use my voice and speak up about issues that I am passionate about. Issues like the one I chose (youth mental health) impact so many teens like myself. When using my voice I felt like I had the power to make a change in my community and one day, the world. There were also incredible adults there to guide us. The experience, people, and skills that I gained from are ones I hold dear.”
During an in-person WIT Hackathon a teen will
learn + apply the design-thinking process
engage with teens from around their school and city
create a sustainable solution to a problem
work with industry experts and coaches
learn how to create + deliver a pitch
pitch idea to a panel of CEOs, city officials, leaders, entrepreneurs
build a network of like-minded individuals
earn college-credit
get the chance to win $$$$
FAQs
I work at a school and want to host a WIT Hackathon - where do I start?
We’re excited to collaborate with you and your students on hosting a WIT Hackathon! To get started, simply schedule a 20-minute call with us. During this call, we’ll discuss the logistics, answer any questions, and guide you through the next steps to make your hackathon a success.
Are there costs associated with the WIT Hackathon and who pays?
Yes, there are costs associated with hosting a WIT Hackathon, which range from $25,000 to $60,000, depending on the number of students and the duration of the event. These costs cover the full facilitation of the hackathon, including pre-event, during, and post-event support for students. They also include all materials, food, drinks, and any additional expenses. If college credit is offered, the cost for that is included, along with prize money and overall program fees.
In many cases, grants can help cover some of the costs, and we also work with schools and parents to ensure the event is accessible. We’ll collaborate with you to explore available funding options and create a plan that fits your needs and budget.
I am a teen or a parent of a teen, and we’d like to have a WIT Hackathon at our school - how do we get started?
We’re thrilled that you’re interested in bringing a WIT Hackathon to your school! To get started, connect with your principal or a teacher who shares your excitement about the event. Once you have their support, schedule a 20-minute call with us. We’ll discuss the next steps and get everyone on the same page to make the hackathon a fun and impactful experience for all.
Who coordinates the judges and speakers at the WIT Hackathon?
The WIT team will coordinate all speakers and experts for the hackathon, with final approval from the school. We also handle selecting the judges for the event, but encourage schools to invite alumni, board members, faculty, or other community leaders to participate as judges, creating a diverse and engaging panel for the students.
How long are the WIT Hackathons? Can we do them over a weekend?
We’ve hosted both one-day and two-day hackathons, with flexibility to fit your schedule. Schools and community centers often choose to host them on a Saturday, while others prefer to hold them during the school week. Whether you choose a one-day or two-day format, we’ll work with you to tailor the experience to what works best for your participants.
How many students can participate in a WIT Hackathon?
We’ve found that the ideal number of participants is between 30 and 40. However, we’ve also hosted successful events with students from multiple schools. Some schools choose to involve just one grade level, while others mix upper and lower classmen to foster community-building and connections across different age groups.
What type of problems have you hacked?
Participants have developed innovative solutions to tackle pressing issues such as food insecurity, homelessness, bullying, sex trafficking, public transportation safety, environmental sustainability, and much more.
We work with the school to decide if the students will select just one problem to address or tackle multiple issues.
What happens after the WIT Hackathon?
After the event, WIT provides opt-in follow-up support, helping students refine their ideas and continue their entrepreneurial journey, whether through mentorship or additional resources.
How much involvement does the school staff need to provide?
You decide. Some schools like asking their teachers to serve as judges or coaches, while others hire WIT during Professional Development Days and don’t have their teachers participate at all.
How far in advance do we need to start organizing a WIT Hackathon?
To ensure a successful hackathon, we recommend starting the organizing process at least 3 months before the event. This allows ample time for coordination, securing funding or grants, promoting the event, selecting speakers and judges, and finalizing all logistics. Starting early ensures that we can tailor the event to meet your school’s specific needs and provide a smooth, impactful experience for all participants.
Can this hackathon count for extra credit or college credit?
Yes, WIT offers the option for students to earn college credit through the hackathon, which can be a great addition to their academic achievements.
Some schools have given students volunteer hours for their participation in a WIT Hackathon.
Have more questions? We are here to help!
We know that you might have more questions even after this FAQ section. Feel free to book a call with us or send us an email. We are here to help you do WIT!