HOW IT WORKS
INDEX
DEFINITIONS
- What
- Who
- What is a Hackathon
METHODOLOGY
- What does it mean to “Pitch” an idea?
- How long will the teams have to design a solution?
CRITERIA
- What are the criteria for choosing the Hack for Global Good Winner(s)?
- How do I know if the SOLUTION meets the judging criteria?
- How do I know what PROBLEM to focus on?
PREPARATION
- How should I prepare for Hack For Global Good as a Student-Participant?
- What is NOT expected of a Student-Participant?
What
A social good hackathon is a gathering event for all doers committed to solving important problems in the world. The event is limited in time and scope, with the ultimate purpose to discover new and effective ways to overcome an existing hurdle.
Who
RHCD students in Grades PreK-12 and RI High School Students in Grades 9-12. All expertise needed: creatives, writers, techies and athletes—all working together to identify a solution to the proposed topic. No coding or prior Hackathon experience required!
What is a Hackathon?
A hackathon is a time-bound competitive event where diverse individuals collaborate to create a new product or solve a critical problem.
Hackathon is a blend of two words: “hack” and “marathon” – taking apart a difficult problem and prototyping a solution in a specific period of time.
The goal of a community hackathon is to expand on the group’s collective imagination, network, access, and expertise in order to find new solutions to a real world challenge.
What does it mean to "Pitch" an idea?
- Student teams must be able to explain their solution. The process of presenting an idea before a panel of judges is called a “Pitch” event.
- Teams have 5-minutes to share how their solution will solve the proposed theme.
- Presentations will be done on stage in front of a panel of judges or can be submitted via video if Hack teams are unable to attend the Pitch event.
- During each presentation judges will score each team’s on-stage performance and original solutionidea. After all teams have presented, the judges “score sheets” will be tallied and the winners announced.
How long will the teams have to design a solution?
1 Day
On Saturday, at Rocky Hill Country Day teams have the opportunity to Sketch, Build, and Pitch. From 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. student teams can access industry mentors, review articles, gather online research, watch videos, and add their own inspiration as they strategize and collectively design a focused solution to an important global issue.
Teams are encouraged to educate themselves on local and global challenges related to the proposed theme in advance of the actual hackathon day. The more you learn about the topic better you’ll be able to communicate and discuss solutions with your team!
What are the criteria for choosing
the Hack For Global Good Winner(s)?
Teams must be ready to clearly articulate the following in a 5-minute presentation before a panel of industry judges:
Judging Criteria:
- A specific problem related to Health
- A clear and original solution developed together as a team during the Hackathon
- A solution that qualifies as: (1) “Moonshot” (auditions, radical, inspiring, groundbreaking idea), or (2) “Global Impact” (capable of helping the most amount of people), or (3) “Best Pitch” (clearly articulated and powerfully delivered on-stage presentation)
- Extra credit to the student idea that solves a health-related problem in both Rhode Island and around the world!
What are the criteria for choosing the Hack For Global Good Winner(s)?
Teams must be ready to clearly articulate the following in a 5-minute presentation before a panel of industry judges:
Judging Criteria:
- A specific problem related to Pollution
- A clear and original solution developed together as a team during the Hackathon
- A solution that qualifies as: (1) “Moonshot” (auditions, radical, inspiring, groundbreaking idea), or (2) “Global Impact” (capable of helping the most amount of people), or (3) “Best Pitch” (clearly articulated and powerfully delivered on-stage presentation)
- Extra credit to the student idea that solves a Pollution-related problem in both Rhode Island and around the world!
How do I know if the solution meets the judging criteria?
A clear Hack For Global Good solution meets the following criteria:
- It addresses the proposed theme
- It originates from student team discussions and brainstorming during the Hackathon
- It represents a bold “moonshot idea” (i.e., it’s inspiring, audacious, fresh, imaginative)
- It clearly articulates to the judging panel the problem, the solution, and the impact (local/global reach)
- It is presented in 5 minutes time
How do I know what problem to focus on?
First, read and learn about the different challenges related to the theme proposed. Then with your student team, identify and select one theme-related problem that in some way:
- affects the citizens of Rhode Island, or billions of people around the globe.
“I thought it was an amazing
way to get my ideas out there
and meet new people.”
Student Participant, 2019 —
How should I prepare for Hack For Global Good as a Student-Participant?
Your job is to read, learn, and understand as much information as you’d like to know about the proposed theme.
- Learn why this topic is so critical, both in Rhode Island and around the world. Understand the organizations currently working on solutions. Discover what inspires you and identify the theme-challenge you want to solve.
- Feel free to discuss ideas with your parents, teachers, friends. This is not a secret assignment but a community dialogue.
- Read the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a resource.
- The more information you bring to the Hackathon the better you can help your team brainstorm a solution.
What is not expected of a Student-Participant:
- You don’t have to know coding, programming, or technology to participate. If you do, awesome! These skills can definitely help your team but are not required.
- You don’t have to have the solution in advance. The goal is to discuss and brainstorm the problems and design solutions together with your team members. Practice collaboration.
- You don’t need to have participated in a Hackathon before.
- You don’t have to present a working prototype or product during the pitch. Your solution doesn’t event have to be physically available or accessible.
What do I bring to Hack For Global Good?
- Laptop / phone / charger (We will provide laptop if needed)
- Friday Evening: Dress for group photo with VIPs
- Saturday: Casual Dress
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Sweatshirt / raincoat?
- Food Items if Special Dietary Needs / Restrictions
