Become a 2025 Hackathon Mentor! Coders and Non-Coders Needed!

We Connect The Dots invites you to volunteer as a mentor for our upcoming Hackathon, where students collaborate to create innovative businesses supporting the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. This experience not only empowers students with essential 21st-century workforce skills but also prepares them for a future as social entrepreneurs in the STEM fields.

What is the Hackathon?

Students work in teams to design a business concept that addresses real-world challenges. Throughout the program, they enhance their technical skills by learning to code with HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript. Students also use industry-standard platforms to build websites and leverage GitHub for project portfolio development, which helps them stand out in internships, college applications, and job interviews.

Tier I - HTML/CSS Coding

Tier II - JavaScript

Tier III - Advanced Web Development - REACT

What will be expected of me as a mentor volunteer?

As a mentor volunteer you will be expected to support and guide the students during the program when they need help. Don’t worry if you’re not a tech expert. We’ll provide you with a clear checklist and all the guidance you need. The key is to communicate the value of the students’ work and acknowledge their dedication.See below for shifts available.

Do I have to have coding skills to volunteer?

No, coding skills are not required, but certainly are a plus if you have them. Either way you will learn through participating with the students. The most important skill or requirement is the desire to help students learn and motivate them to be successful. You will come away with new skills such as learning to code and organizational skills that you can apply in the workforce. Our program incorporates a variety of team building activities that support our goal to engage students to work collaboratively. The result is that by volunteering you will benefit from the experience and come away with valuable skills.

Your Commitment

• • Orientation date: TBD

COMPETITION WEEKENDS:

(Be available on Microsoft Teams for questions, mentoring, coaching, progress tracking)

Friday, December 5th: 4:30 - 11:00 PM (Program Kickoff!)

Saturday, December 6th: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Sunday, December 7th: 8:00 AM -5:30 PM

Friday, December 12th: 4:30 - 11:00 PM

Saturday, December 13th: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Sunday, December 14th: 8:00 AM -5:30 PM (Project Presentations!)

• • Location: Virtual mentoring (details provided upon signing up)

Mentoring provides you with an opportunity to contribute your expertise, meet like-minded professionals, and encourage the next generation of changemakers in STEM.

The program will be held virtually, on Microsoft Teams. Each volunteer will receive a Microsoft account for the duration of the program along with basic training to follow along with the students.

Ready to Make an Impact?

Join us as a mentor and help inspire these young innovators to turn their skills and passions into real-world solutions.