HACK FOR INCLUSION

+ What is hack for inclusion?

Hack for Inclusion is an annual weekend-long hackathon that will take place February 19-21, 2021. At Hack for Inclusion, we are focused on finding innovative solutions for important, difficult, and messy problems related to creating a culture of inclusion in a complex, globally diverse world. Using a design thinking approach, we guide participant teams through two days of brainstorming, testing, and presenting solutions, while holding the needs of the potential user or customer as the primary focus.

+ WHAT KIND OF CHALLENGES DO PARTICIPANTS “HACK”?

Check out the challenges from last year’s hackathon here. Challenges for this year are still being finalized and will be posted soon!

+ WHERE WILL HACK FOR INCLUSION TAKE PLACE THIS YEAR?

The event will be entirely virtual, run through a virtual event platform called SpotMe. We will provide any additional resources necessary for teams to collaborate virtually.

+ HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED TO COMMIT?

You should expect to commit the afternoon and evening of Friday, February 19th, the entire day Saturday, February 20th, and the afternoon of Sunday, February 21st. We encourage you to commit to being present for the entire event, but if you are unable to be present for portions of the event, you will be expected to communicate your availability to team members.

+ WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?

We welcome participants of all ages from the Boston area and beyond! In the past, participants have included community and organization leaders, engaged citizens, as well as undergraduate, and graduate students from MIT, Harvard, Northeastern, Boston University, and more. We aim to involve a diverse, passionate group of individuals from a variety of backgrounds because we know this enriches the hackathon experience and output.

+ DO I HAVE TO BE AN MIT STUDENT OR MIT AFFILIATED TO PARTICIPATE?

No! Participants do not need to be affiliated with MIT, just need to be passionate about solving issues around diversity, equity and inclusion.

+ DO I NEED TO COME WITH MY OWN TEAM?

Nope! What makes this hackathon special is that you will be put on a team with individuals you don’t know, so even if you do come with your own team, we will place you on different teams :) We do this specifically so that participants have the experience of working on a diverse team over the course of the weekend. We’ve heard from past participants that this is one of the most meaningful aspects of the hackathon, so we encourage you to come with an open mind and ready to meet and work with new people!

+ DO I NEED A TECHNICAL BACKGROUND TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HACKATHON?

Absolutely not! In prior years, some participants have had coding or programming expertise, which is always a helpful bonus for any team (and a potentially exciting component of final presentations), but it is not required. We provide participants with resources that allow non-technical folks to quickly prototype an online application or program.

+ WHAT DO WINNING TEAMS GET?

Winning teams will receive prize money! We will award $5,000 for 1st place; $3,000 for 2nd place, and $1,000 for 3rd place. We will also award $1,000 to a Crowd Choice winner.

+ HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?

Fill out this form by January 24, 2021 and we'll update you with more information by January 31, 2021!

+ HOW ARE TEAMS FORMED?

Participants will work together in teams of 5-7 members. We will form teams based on challenge preferences, ensuring that teams are diverse and represent a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

+ ARE THERE ANY OUTSIDE SPEAKERS OR NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED?

Yes! Hack for Inclusion partners with outside organizations to sponsor challenges, and each team will be provided with mentors who are industry and subject experts. Each hackathon also features a keynote speaker to broaden our exposure to issues of bias. Given the diversity and experiences of our participant pool, it is likely that participants will learn as much from each other as they do from keynote speakers and mentors. There are formal and informal opportunities throughout the two days to connect with our keynote speaker, group of mentors, and fellow participants. Keynote speakers and mentors will be announced closer to the event.

+ WHO SHOULD I CONTACT IF I AM INTERESTED IN SPONSORING, MENTORING, OR VOLUNTEERING?

At Hack for Inclusion, we welcome collaboration! Please reach out to the members of our organizing team at sloanforinclusion.officers@sloangroups.mit.edu for more information.