SeaHack - 5th EmP Hackfest

 We are very lucky to be able to host an in-person Hackathon this time. Special thanks to Microsoft Reactor, local and remote sponsors, mentors and judges, a special shout out to all 6 high school organizers! They spent the entire summer planning for the event, they successfully secured multiple sponsorships to provide award and prizes for the Hackathon. Some grocery retailers in the area also provide generous support by donating gift cards and food/snacks for the event. We really feel the community for this youth program.

This hackathon has received overwhelming registration and reached capacity cap 5 days before the event. All participants are high schoolers from various school districts across the metro Seattle area. We are very happy to see so many energetic young faces coming ready to solve a problem, learn how to code, work with friends, and come up with an unique idea and complete their project. 

Over 120 students and parents attended the Opening Ceremony. The organizers introduced themselves, reveal the them and explain schedule and rules of the Hackathon. We are very honored to have invited Dr. Lidong Zhou, head of Microsoft Asia , to give an inspiring speech to all the attendees. Our theme this year is to design a product or service that will help solve a problem and will benefit a community in Washington State. In Dr. Zhou’s speech – he told the kids this Hackathon will demonstrate how technology can be a driving force for quality change. Community involvement is not just a robust word, it’s the live blood of any thriving society. 

During the hackathon we have organized 3 workshops covering a popular topic – the Road to FTC World Championship, a very powerful marketing workshop on “How to Pitch Your Project for Success” workshop. 

We are fortunate to have invited 4 mentors and 8 judges to participate in our Hackathon. During the 2 day events mentors spend all day with participants coaching and helping these young students. Our judges listened to all the presentation and provided great feedback for each team. 

We want to thank EmP board and adult volunteers for all the great support. We look forward to seeing you again next year!