Welcome to Hack the Valley 2025: Frostbyte Edition
Hack the Valley 2025 is the premier high school hackathon and tech camp in the Mahoning Valley, bringing together the brightest young minds to innovate, collaborate, and elevate their skills in technology. Hosted by the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center (MCCTC) from January 18-20, 2025, this event is a dynamic blend of competition, creativity, and learning.

What sets Hack the Valley apart?

  • Dual Pathways for Participation:

    • Hackers: Compete in teams to build innovative projects in software development, robotics, cybersecurity, and more, based on exciting challenges revealed at the event.

    • Explorers: Attend beginner-friendly workshops to learn coding, game development, web design, robotics, and more from experienced mentors and industry professionals.

  • Cutting-Edge Opportunities: Students will work on real-world problems, experiment with the latest technologies, and connect with mentors from leading tech companies and colleges.

  • Open to All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a seasoned coder or completely new to tech, there’s a place for you here.

Event Schedule

Friday, January 18, 2025

  • 5:30 PM: Registration and Refreshments

  • 6:00 PM: Welcome and Team Formation

  • 7:00 PM: First Workshops and Project Kickoff

  • 9:00 PM: End of Day

Saturday, January 19, 2025

  • 8:00 AM: Breakfast and Check-in for Hackers

  • 9:00 AM: Registration and Welcome for Explorers

  • 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM: Workshops, Career Fair, and Team Work Time

  • 12:00 PM: Lunch

  • 5:00 PM: Dinner

  • 7:00 PM: Campers Wrap Up, Hackers Continue until 9 PM.

Sunday, January 20, 2025

  • 8:00 AM: Breakfast and Final Hacking Session

  • 11:00 AM: Project Submission Deadline

  • 12:30 PM: Presentations and Judging

  • 1:30 PM: Awards and Closing Ceremony

Why Attend?

Hack the Valley 2025 offers a unique chance to build skills, solve challenges, and connect with peers who share a passion for innovation. With expert-led workshops, mentorship opportunities, and exciting prizes, this is more than just a hackathon—it’s a launchpad for your future in STEM.

Join Us

Registration is now open for students, mentors, sponsors, and volunteers. Whether you're ready to hack, explore, teach, or support, we’d love to have you be part of this transformative event.

 

Requirements

Submission Requirements for Hack the Valley 2025: Frostbyte Edition

What to Build:
Hackers are encouraged to build any tech-driven project that aligns with their creativity, skills, and interests. Your project could be software-based, hardware-based, or a combination of both. Whether it’s a web application, a mobile app, a hardware prototype, or an innovative use of AI, the goal is to create something meaningful and impactful.

You’re free to bring your own equipment or use the resources provided during the event. Projects must be original and developed during the hackathon timeframe.

What to Submit on Devpost:
To complete your submission, please include the following:

  1. Project Title: A creative and descriptive title for your project.

  2. Short Description: A 1-2 sentence summary of what your project does.

  3. Demo Video: A brief 2-3 minute video showcasing your project in action. Explain its features, purpose, and how it works.

  4. Written Description: Provide an overview of your project, including:

    • The problem it addresses.

    • Who it’s designed for or its potential impact.

    • The key features or technologies used.

  5. Code or Project Repository Link (Optional): Share a link to your GitHub or any other repository for judges to review your work.

  6. Team Members: List all team members and their contributions.

  7. Screenshots or Images (Optional): Include any visuals that help illustrate your project, such as screenshots of your app or photos of your hardware setup.

Additional Submission Guidelines:

  • All submissions must be completed and uploaded to Devpost by Sunday, January 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM to qualify for judging.

  • Projects can compete for general awards and specific sponsored categories. Be sure to indicate if your project aligns with any sponsored themes or challenges.

  • Ensure all team members are listed in the submission and agree to its content.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$750 in prizes
1st Place
1 winner

First Place Team Prize. TBD

2nd Place
1 winner

Second Place Team Prize. TBD

2rd Place
1 winner

3rd Place Team Prize. TBD

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Michael Sekol

Michael Sekol
Teacher / MCCTC

Judging Criteria

  • 1. Creativity and Innovation (25 points)
    How unique and original is the idea? Does the project demonstrate creative thinking and problem-solving?
  • 2. Technical Complexity (25 points)
    How technically challenging is the project? Does the project leverage advanced tools, frameworks, or algorithms effectively?
  • 3. Functionality and Execution (20 points)
    Does the project work as intended? Is it reliable and robust in its implementation? How well does it meet its stated goals or solve the problem it addresses?
  • 4. Impact and Relevance (20 points)
    Does the project address a meaningful or important problem? What is the potential audience or real-world application for the project?
  • 5. Presentation and Clarity (10 points)
    Is the project clearly explained in the submission materials (demo video, description, etc.)? Does the team effectively communicate their process, goals, and outcomes?
  • Bonus Points
    Best Use of Theme (5 points): If applicable, how well does the project align with the event's theme or specific challenges? Community Impact (5 points): Does the project have the potential to positively impact the local or global community?

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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