First Hackathon

For their first hackathon, eight students teamed up with our IT instructors to design tech solutions for real challenges they face.

Team A built a Homework Scheduler, recognizing that many girls juggle heavy responsibilities outside school. Their solution: a customizable timer that helps students set aside focused time for homework.

Team B built Math Maze—a timed game where each door opens only after solving a math problem, turning learning into an adventure. With multiple skill levels, the team designed it to make math fun and strengthen an essential part of their education.

SSGA Volunteer, Jackson (UNC Chapel Hill Computer Science major), advised the teams remotely leading up to the hackathon, while the two teams worked independently on day of. This process built confidence, strengthened their teamwork and critical-thinking skills, and showed that through their own problem-solving they can create viable solutions for their peers. Students are versed in SCRATCH, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML.

And now? After presenting to their classmates, all 100 SSGA girls wanted to know—when’s their hackathon? When girls discover their talent in tech, confidence grows, opportunities multiply, and futures change. Their creativity and determination remind us that investing in girls isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s how thriving communities are built.