This quick guide outlines a clear, step-by-step process for organizing a student-centered hackathon. It walks educators through how to present a meaningful problem, form collaborative teams with defined roles, and guide students.
Educators can use this document to create authentic learning experiences that move beyond traditional classroom instruction. Hosting a hackathon engages students in critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication while giving them ownership over real-world challenges that matter to their school or community. It provides a framework for purposeful innovation - encouraging creativity within structure and helping students practice applying knowledge in meaningful ways.
Whether implemented in a single classroom or across a school, this guide offers a practical roadmap for designing an experience that builds agency, teamwork, and design-thinking skills in a manageable format.
Suggested Citation:
Center for Effective School Practices. (2025). How to Organize a Hackathon [Practice Guide]. Rutgers University. https://cesp.rutgers.edu/eir-resource-library/algorithms-board-games/