Hackathon returns with webinar series, live event

The inaugural Northland Hackathon in April 2022 exposed students from 20 Minnesota high schools to aspects of computer science that included building apps, writing code and exploring opportunities in tech.

That focus was important because, according to a 2022 report by the Code.org Advocacy Coalition (https://advocacy.code.org/stateofcs), Minnesota finished in last place when it came to the percentage of public high schools offering computer science courses.

This year, organizers are taking additional steps to introduce students to the fun of computer science. Four tech wizards — led by Cloquet native Luke Heine, who sold his software company last year — will kick off a series of free webinars Friday, Jan. 27, titled, “How Hackathon can strengthen my college application.”

“Tech is one of the fastest-growing sectors, with a whole range of opportunities with it — from design to strategy to advertising,” said Heine. “The Hackathon is meant to expose students to not just coding, which we do, but to other career choices as well.”

Additional webinars in February and March will lead up to the second annual Northland Hackathon on April 15. During that day’s free, daylong, virtual event, students will “hack” — basically, experiment and share creativity with other students and participating tech professionals to create something new.

Find additional information and registration at http://www.NorthlandHackathon.com.