# CS4All Guide to Running a Hackathon

### What's a Hackathon?

A Hackathon does not involve any actual hacking - just coding! A Hackathon is a coding event/competition in which teams of people (in this case, students) work together to create a working prototype for a challenge prompt in a single day. Some Hackathons will include a learning component where students are taught a quick skill or platform to use in their projects, while others are simply about brainstorming and creating. It’s entirely okay that students don’t leave with a completely finished product, the goal is prototyping.

Hackathons are fun, high energy events that can help students get excited about computer science, and they also happen in college and industry CS spaces. Some Hackathons even come with swag and/or prizes which is always cause for excitement.

**We hope that this guide will help your planning alongside the following:**

* [Hackathon Project Management Template](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mg3RnCOYXlaltw23fakclPsRGez24xeMla1zdxLW7YE/copy)
* [SY 23 - 24 Hackathon Interest: Community Collaboration Form](https://forms.gle/t8kfEVbbkFT1E38m6) - for NYC 6-12 teachers

**These external resources may also be useful:**

* [How to Run a Successful Hackathon](https://hackathon.guide/)
* [Major League Hacking Hackathon Guide](https://guide.mlh.io/)
* [How to Organize a Hackathon in High School](https://www.inspiritai.com/blogs/ai-student-blog/how-to-organize-a-hackathon-in-high-school)

*If you have questions or need assistance,* [*please reach out to Courtney Morgan*](mailto:cmorgan15@schools.nyc.gov)*.*


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