As we strive to become a diverse and inclusive society, there is more work to be done to create such space in the computer science (CS) community. According to a 2016 Google report, multiple factors such as lack of motivation, representation, or learning opportunities can be attributed in stifling women and minorities from considering an interest and possible career path in the field of computer science. Aside from this, the report highlights the importance of learning CS skills during their K-12 education due to its application that can prove to be important in an ever changing landscape.
With this in mind, NewtonHACKS will be holding an online hackathon on August 29, 2020. The hackathon will be open to middle and high school students who have beginner experience in computer programming. The organizers, consisting of dedicated and experienced female high school students, hope that this project will create awareness for gender minorities in the tech world while serving as a creative space for budding programmers.
Participants will have the opportunity to attend workshops and be guided by mentors in the field. Aside from this, they will get to meet and collaborate with like-minded people as they collectively think, innovate, and program creative projects.
The hackathon will be an all-day event and is free of charge. Interested participants may go to newtonhacks.com for event and registration details. Those interested in funding the event may go to their GoFundMe page; extra funds raised will be donated to the National Center for Women and Information Technology.
For other inquiries on the event, you may email newtonhacks@gmail.com or message their Facebook, Instagram or Linkedin page.