How to Organize a Hackathon in High School
If you are reading this, you have probably attended a hackathon or at least have heard of one. Have you been immersed in the motivated and busy, often noisy environment? It is interesting and amazing, but sometimes there are no hackathons close by or they do not have a suitable theme for you.
Whether you want to address an issue in your community or just have fun, you may want to organize a hackathon; and here is how you can do it:
Steps to organizing a hackathon in high school
Identify an Issue/Theme for your Hackthon
You need an engaging theme for when you organize a hackathon. It can stem from preserving local wildlife to game development, or even sports! After selecting the topic, think about who may be interested and how you will promote the event and find participants.
Research, and Research Again.
After identifying the main theme of the event, it is time to think about the materials, work, and sleep areas (not if it is online :)), the marketing supplies, etc. It is a lot! But make a list and soon you will find it is manageable and you will be ready for your hackathon in no time. Sometimes you may need special permission to organize such events. In that case, make sure to contact the local officials and talk to them. Sometimes you may even need to create a proposal for the hackathon.
Find Support/Talk to People
You may find it hard to do this all by yourself and it is always fun to work with people, so why not assemble a team (board of directors if you wish). So one of you will be in charge of mentors and supervision during the event, someone will be a coordinator, a speaker, etc. And imagine how it would sound that you and your friends, or acquaintances the least, have organized and run your own hackathon!
Some people may even want to fund your hackathon and donate money or supplies. You can find sponsors by popularizing the event and reaching out to individuals and companies by email or phone. If you manage to find sponsors, be sure to keep them informed about the event and give them credits somewhere in the event.
Make a Plan
Now, it is time to make a plan so everything runs smoothly and you do not fall behind track on some tasks. Work out a date and venue for the event. Then organize everything else around them. Think about accessibility, having enough preparation and break time, you get the idea. Make sure everyone on the team is familiar with the plan and important dates.
Start Working on It!
Start executing the plan! Now that you have everything written and thought out, simply start checking tasks off the list. Talk with people, keep up with the team, officials, participants, etc. Remember to send reminder information about the event so everyone is on track.
