CODE-A-THON Winter 2023 REGISTRATION IS Now Open
Joining forces with Nebula Academy, We Connect The Dots is on a mission to democratize STEAM education. Our initiative is focused on empowering teenagers, from 13 to 18 years old, by immersing them in the ever-evolving domain of coding. Utilizing the latest in web development technology, we're not just teaching code — we're guiding these young innovators to harness their coding prowess for developing tangible business applications. This year's program adds an extra layer of innovation by integrating artificial intelligence into both our educational workshops and the project framework, ensuring a cutting-edge learning experience
Free program - No Coding Skills Required
learn to code or build on your skills
Come away with new skills and cool Prizes for participating
Register Individually or as a TEAM TO COllaborate
Those applying as individuals will be placed on a team of 4 students, students registering as a team must have four members to participate. Teams without four members will be provided a random team member from our registered individual list.
Runs Virtually December 8,9,10, 2023
Students must be between 13-18 years of age to participate.
Students are paving the way to their future by mastering essential technology and programming abilities. Celebrating its 9th iteration, our Code-A-Thon Program is scheduled every year, presenting each year in a hybrid format. In 2021, we revolutionized the program to support both in-person and virtual engagement. This shift has expanded our reach to a wider spectrum of students, including those in rural areas where such opportunities are scarce. Moving forward, the program will maintain this versatile approach, facilitating local partners and educational districts to accommodate students on-site where feasible. Our virtual coding workshops will be held during evenings and weekends, starting November 6th and concluding on December 10th.
Participants will either be grouped into teams consisting of four peers guided by a mentor, or they may enroll as an existing quartet. Both students and mentors will be introduced to Microsoft Teams to enhance the digital aspect of our program. Training kicks off with our Level I curriculum, where students will learn web coding with HTML and CSS. Those who master the basics may advance to JavaScript in Level II, and ultimately to Level III, delving into advanced web development with React. We advise attendees to join training sessions correlating with the competition level they aspire to engage in. At the time of sign-up, students will choose their competitive tier, with a subsequent chance to adjust their level after the training, before team formations if they feel prepared for a greater challenge.
Thanks to our benefactors, teams will vie for awards (please refer to the prizes section below). Each level will be distinguished by 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place standings, with rewards for each triumphant team member. This year, mentors will also have a chance to win prizes, determined by team feedback surveys that reflect their dedication to enhancing the team's educational journey. All instructional sessions are set for evenings and weekends, from November 6th to December 10th. Additionally, we are introducing Office Hours to bolster the learning process and assist teams during their weekend project endeavors.
Mentees and their guides will become proficient in industry-standard tools for website creation, utilizing platforms like GitHub and Azure DevOps to manage their projects, which aids in crafting an impressive portfolio. Such a portfolio is invaluable for standing out in applications for internships, colleges, and future employment. This initiative is about more than coding; it’s about stretching boundaries to acquire skills for the 21st-century workforce. Through competition in diverse teams, students tackle global challenges and design functional websites that propose societal solutions. The program transcends coding education—it’s about teamwork, problem-solving, cross-collaboration, information synthesis, and, just as importantly, forming new friendships and enjoying the educational adventure.
MEET OUR instructors
Chris Gomez
Senior Software Engineer, Freedom Pay
LEVEL 1 INSTRUCTOR
Kerry Shotts
Principal Product Manager, Adobe
LEVEL 2 INSTRUCTOR
David An
Pricing and Data Analytics Manager, Astellas Pharmaceuticals
LEVEL 3 INSTRUCTOR
Student Training Sessions - Competition Levels
Training Sessions are recommended for students to participate
Upon registration students will receive the invite details for the online information sessions and credentials to participate in the program.
Level I Training Begins November 6th - HTML, CSS focus, with an introduction to JavaScript
English
Monday November 6th 6:30-8:30 PM
Wednesday November 8th 6:30-8:30 PM
Saturday November 11th 6:30-8:30 PM
Level II Training Begins November 13th - JavaScript focus, with integration of HTML, CSS
Monday November 13th 6:30-8:30 PM
Wednesday November 15th 6:30-8:30 PM
Saturday November 18th 6:30-8:30 PM
Level II Competition requires verification of your skills by taking the pre-assessment. Utilize this link to take the assessment by November 30th.
If you do not complete an assessment by November 30th we will assume you are competing at level I.
Level III Training Begins November 27th - Advanced Web Development using JavaScript and React
Monday November 27th 6:30-8:30 PM
Wednesday November 29th 6:30-8:30 PM
Saturday December 1st 6:30-8:30 PM
Level III Competition requires verification of your skills by taking the pre-assessment. Utilize this link to take the assessment by November 30th.
If you do not complete an assessment by November 30th we will assume you are competing at level I.
Student INFORMATION Sessions
all team building sessions are mandatory
Upon registration students will receive the invite details for the online information sessions
Team assignments will be announced during Team Building Sessions - All Team building sessions are mandatory
Monday December 4th 7-8:30 PM
Wednesday December 6th 7-8:30 PM
Each Team will consist of 4 Members with 1 Mentor
Team members will be introduced and activities will reinforce team collaboration and learning to work together online - There will be fun competitive gamification during these sessions with prizes to the winning teams that demonstrate their abilities to successfully problem solve together.
More details regarding project submission by Teams will be outlined on Friday during the program kickoff - Project submission is Sunday December 10th by 11:00 AM
Project Presentations take place via Microsoft Teams Live Events Sunday December 10th from 1PM- 5PM EST
Student Project Scope:
Students work in teams to build a conceptual business that supports the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. As a team the students will be integrating technology and working to develop a website that offers a solution to a problem facing society. This program prepares students with 21st century workforce skills while preparing them for an active role as a social entrepreneur. This program is one of kind, and it offers students the opportunity to learn to work in a diverse team, build workforce skills for their future, learn how to learn online, get creative with innovating and problem solving, and aligns to real world issues.
Prizes (one for each Member of the Winning Teams)!
1st Place: Tablet Vankyo Tablet 10'
2nd Place: Roku Streaming Stick+
3rd Place: Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen)
…And multiple opportunities for Gift Cards and additional Prizes Throughout the weekend!
*Disclaimer: Prizes are subject to change due to availability
Thank you to our 2023 Code-A-Thon Sponsors & Partners!
2020 Photos and student projects
First Place Winners: Drone Earth
This team received the first-place award for their unique use of drones to solve the increasingly detrimental issue of waste management. By prototyping a garbage drone with visual design software, these boys demonstrated a feasible concept. Also, incorporating React allowed this team to have the most intuitive and appealing website design.
Second PLace Winners: Reduce Traffic Mortality Rates
By tackling a leading cause of death in the world, this group received the second-place award. In order to reduce motor vehicle crashes, drones would be flown to patrol intersections and send help to the victims. This team’s website displays a simple and functional layout with a focus on navigation.
Third Place Winners: Aid to the amazon
Through the current environmental issue of deforestation, this group exemplified the need for drones in the Amazon rainforest. With the use of drones, areas being burned can be patrolled and information can be gathered. Their website design maintains an appropriate theme with a unique donation feature built into the site.
Darby, PA
Fremont, OH
