Hackergal’s 15th National Hackathon
Hackergal
📌 About the Event
Hackergal’s National Hackathon is a massive, nationwide coding celebration designed to empower girls and gender diverse learners. Celebrating its 15th milestone, this year’s theme is “Stories That Spark Change”. Participants will move beyond simple facts to create interactive digital content like websites, infographics, and blogs that connect and inspire communities. This is a project-based STEAM experience that focuses on using code as a tool for social impact.
ℹ️ Event Details
- Category: Hackathon, STEAM, Social Impact
- Organizer: Hackergal
- Eligibility: Learners in Grades 6-9 who identify as girls or gender-diverse (trans girls, non-binary, and two spirit learners are explicitly welcomed).
- Open To: Canada (Nationwide)
- Team Size: Participation is typically facilitated through Hackergal Clubs in schools or communities.
- Effort Level: Medium (Focused 1-day build sprint)
- Submission Type: Digital storytelling project (Interactive websites/apps).
📅 Important Dates
- Event Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
- Start Time: 6:00 AM PDT / 9:00 AM EDT
- Mode: Online (Virtual kickoff and community coding).
🏆 Rewards & Recognition
- National Pitch Day: Top projects may be invited to the National Pitch Day on April 28, 2026.
- Scholarship Pipeline: Participation is a key requirement for the Hackergal Scholarship Program, which supports graduating students pursuing STEAM careers.
- Certificates: All participants receive recognition for their contribution to the national movement.
- Community Impact: Projects are shared across a national network of mentors and industry leaders.
🎯 What You Will Do
- Tell a Story: Use code to create narrative driven digital content that addresses a social issue or inspires change.
- Coding Mission: The specific coding challenge related to the theme is revealed on the morning of the event to spark real-time creativity.
- Collaborate: Work with peers in your local club while connecting with thousands of other learners across the country.
- Build Skills: Develop 21st century digital literacy, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving.