Second Annual iD 8 Hackathon Competition Promotes STEM Opportunities for High School Girls

To encourage more young women of color to pursue STEM careers, The University of Southern Mississippi and Craig Newmark Philanthropies will host the 2nd annual iD 8 Hackathon on April 12-13 at USM's Hattiesburg campus.

The Hackathon aims to broaden participation in computing, especially among African-American high school girls, by developing and promoting computer science skills. Teams of four girls will learn to code, build, and present a mobile app throughout the two-day event using Code.org's App Lab platform. The winning app design team will get to bring a trophy home to their school and a cash prize. Prior coding experience is not required.

"The Hackathon gives girls a two-day immersion in tech, surrounded by other girls all working to learn this terrific lifelong skill,” said Julie Cwikla, iD 8's lead organizer and the Director of Creativity and Innovation in STEM at USM. “Then, we add role models and women in STEM who they can learn from and emulate. We are opening their eyes to what's possible."

The event will include speakers such as app developer and entrepreneur Sheena Allen, who founded CapWay, a mobile bank for Gen Z and millennials; and former professional WNBA basketball player Juanita Ward, who founded Hope Dreams 4 Life. There will also be Southern Miss merchandise and book giveaways.

Students can interact with undergraduate and graduate students, encounter state-of-the-art facilities on the University's main campus, and experience Eagle Dining offerings and catered meals. The event concludes after regional judges select the winning team.

"It's a competition, but the environment is wonderfully supportive and encouraging,” Cwikla said. “I'd love for every girl in Mississippi to have this rich experience!"

The first Hackathon event, which took place at USM in 2017, featured a number of accomplished women in STEM fields, including Mary Moore, an aviation engineer at GE and Founder of S.T.E.M. Discoveries, and Yetunde Adewunmi, a doctoral candidate in Biological Sciences at USM.

Teams preparing for the event may begin familiarizing themselves with App Lab. Mentor teachers or parents are encouraged to attend, one per team. All parents are invited to view the presentations, judging, and awards luncheon at noon on Saturday, April 13.

Student teams need to provide their own transportation to and from the USM Hattiesburg campus. For those needing overnight accommodation, a block of rooms is reserved at Holiday Inn Hattiesburg for $95/night for two queen beds. Please contact them and reserve with the code "Hackathon."

For more information, visit id8hackathon2019.eventbrite.com.