From August 13-14, 2021, Girls of Steel successfully launched GosHacks Jr.– our first-ever hackathon– reaching 39 registered participants, receiving 20+ official project submissions, hosting 7 student-led workshops and panels with 5 Girls of Steel members as mentors, and distributing $400+ in awards and prizes donated by GitHub and Girls of Steel. Participants were divided into three divisions: Division I (K-2), Division II (3-5), and Division III (6-8). A Grand Winner, First Runner-Up, and Second Runner-Up were selected from each division; additionally, the mentors selected a recipient of the Mentor’s Choice Award. |
Throughout the hackathon, various student-led workshops and informational seminars were held to ensure that all students are equipped with fundamental programming, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Our mentors led events including an “Introduction to Scratch” Workshop, a “What is FIRST” Informational Session, a “Girls in STEM” Q&A Panel, and a Keynote Speaker, Ms. Sarah Withee, Girls of Steel mentor and Software Engineering Consultant at 18F
“I am having a good time with this project. I’ve never used Scratch before, so I needed help from my dad and sister. Now I am going to do this every day, it is so fun!” wrote one student.
“This was a really amazing experience for me,” reflected a Girls of Steel mentor, “It’s so rewarding seeing the students’ dedication and pride in their own work.”
A HUGE congratulations to our awardees, listed below, and all our amazing participants!
DIVISION I:
Grand Winner – Justice P., grade 1
First Runner-Up – Dimitri J., grade K
Second Runner-Up – Elleanora P., grade 2
DIVISION II:
Grand Winner – Alice T., grade 4
First Runner-Up – Jason Z., grade 5
Second Runner-Up – Evalina P., grade 5
DIVISION III:
Grand Winner – Özge U., grade 7
First Runner-Up – Meera K., grade 7
Second Runner-Up – Ava M., grade 8
MENTOR’S CHOICE AWARD: Rosalie P., grade 5
Check out the awards ceremony slides and view video submissions of the awardees here.
Contact us at girlsofsteelrobotics@gmail.com if you have any questions about us or about the hackathon.