Charlottesville Random Hacks of Kindness: Call for Volunteers

We are seeking volunteers to participate in the Charlottesville Random Hacks of Kindness event at the Albemarle Campus Club of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central VA on January 26, 2024. Funding and organization of this event has been made possible by the UVA/Buford lab school planning grant. We hope this will become an annual lab school event where we share the power of student-driven learning and computing to solve real-world problems with middle school students, industry experience and local nonprofits throughout the region. 

What is a hackathon? 

A hackathon is a social event where participants learn new technology creation skills and collaborate to solve real-world problems. The Charlottesville Random Hacks of Kindness event will engage 7th-9th graders in a hackathon experience where they learn new skills, collaborate, problem solve, think creatively and communicate their vision. 

What would be your role? 

We need both workshop leaders and mentors to inspire this next generation of technology creators: 

• We are looking for 90-minute workshops related to game design, web design, design thinking, and prototyping with physical computing devices. We are open to other ideas as well. Workshops will be scheduled from 9:45-11:15am. 

• We are looking for mentors who will join small teams of students to offer guidance and support as they work to come up with a solution to solve a real-world problem. Mentors are needed from 12:15-2:30pm. No previous experience is required. 

• You are welcome to join us for lunch from 11:15-12:15pm! 

What is the benefit to you and the students?  

You will get to learn more about how students see the world and you will be pleasantly surprised at what insights that have to offer! Students really know very little about real-world opportunities in STEM+CS, so connecting with volunteers will offer them a rare glimpse into a variety of college and career opportunities. The students will also explore the power of computing and experience how technology can be used for social good.  

What is your next step? 

If you are interested in volunteering, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/8zdY5MFYP8Cy1ScK6 

If you would like more information or have questions, please contact Kim Wilkens, [email protected].