Hackathon mode. On.
A 100% virtual hackathon for ages 13–18. Build a real, portfolio-ready project with AI in the loop, learn from industry mentors, and turn code into change — completely free.
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Want to help?
Volunteer as a judge or mentor for this year's hackathon.
Tech shouldn't be a closed door. We're holding it open.
For over a decade, WCTD has helped learners who've been left out of tech build the skills, portfolio, and confidence to step in. This isn't a worksheet — you'll ship something real, with people who do this for a living, and walk away with proof of what you can do.
Build a portfolio. Meet mentors. Step toward your first tech job.
Over a few weeks you'll learn foundational technologies, collaborate with AI as a tool (not a shortcut), and ship a working project that tackles a real-world challenge.
AI in the Loop
Use artificial intelligence as a collaborator to research, prototype, and build — while learning the fundamentals underneath it.
Technology × Impact
Design solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals that address real social and environmental challenges.
All Skill Levels
From first-time coders to advanced builders — instruction is leveled so everyone has a place and a path to grow.
Perfect. That's exactly who this is for.
You don't need experience, a fancy computer, or a CS class behind you. Three weeks of training get you ready, mentors guide you the whole way, and your team has your back. Show up curious — we'll handle the rest.
The commitment
- Training sessionsWeek 1: Tue / Thu / Sat
Weeks 2–3: Mon / Wed / Sat - Session time6:30–8:30 PM EST
- Training runs3 weeks
- Cost$0 — always free
- Where100% online
From training to demo day.
A clear path from your first session to a finished, portfolio-ready project.
Train
Three weeks of online sessions from 6:30–8:30 PM EST, starting Tuesday, November 3: Tue/Thu/Sat the first week, then Mon/Wed/Sat. Learn the foundations.
Team Up
Form a team of four or get matched by our organizers. Diverse teams, stronger ideas.
Build
Kickoff is Friday, December 4 at 4:30 PM EST. Pick an SDG-aligned challenge and build a working website with mentor guidance.
Present
Demo your project, get judged by industry pros, and compete for prizes and recognition.
Pick a problem worth solving.
Every team builds toward one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Here are a few past teams have tackled — what would you take on?
Learn from working industry professionals.
Our instructors come from leading tech companies and classrooms around the world, guiding students to portfolio-ready work and real career exposure.
Chris Gomez
Kerri Shotts
What past participants built.
Top US projects from our 2025 hackathon — all student-built, all tackling real problems.
BreatheSpace
An accessible mental-health tool with AI-powered check-ins, journaling, and crisis resources — built to bridge long counseling waitlists and high therapy costs.
View project
PathMatch
A career-matching platform that uses a quick aptitude assessment to connect job seekers with stable, in-demand roles — turning uncertainty into direction.
View project
RecycleRight
A sustainability tool that helps users identify materials and disposal methods, making everyday recycling clearer and keeping waste out of landfills.
View projectThank you to our supporters.
With gratitude to the sponsors and partners — past and present — who make this program possible.
Good to know.
Any learner ages 13–18 is welcome. You don't need prior coding experience — beginners and advanced builders both have a place.
Nothing. The hackathon is 100% free, and scholarships are available for anything that might otherwise be a barrier.
No. The three weeks of training get you ready, all the tools we use are free, and everything runs in a web browser on any computer.
Training runs for three weeks, 6:30–8:30 PM EST: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday the first week, then Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Then two build weekends: Friday 4:30–11:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM–11:00 PM, and Sunday 8:00 AM–5:30 PM. Presentations close out the final Sunday. All times Eastern.
Teams are four people. You can bring your own full team, or sign up solo and we'll match you with others — a great way to meet new people.
Your team builds a working website that addresses a real-world challenge aligned with a UN Sustainable Development Goal — something real you can add to your portfolio.
Turn code into change.
Registration for the 2026 Hackathon is open. It's 100% virtual, completely free, and built for learners ages 13–18. Scholarships available.
Register for Hackathon 2026