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The first highschool hackathon in the city of Pittsburgh.

Claim your spot at shady.Hacks 2025→

Apr 5, 2025

9:00 AM9:10 AM10:20 AM12:00 PM12:30 PM4:30 PM5:00 PM

Opening CeremonyWeb DevelopmentAI Ignition with PythonLunch OpensSpecial Guest MasterclassJudgingClosing Ceremony

6 hours to solve one problem.

We're excited to welcome you to shady.Hacks 2025. shady.Hacks is an annual hackathon dedicated to empowering students and innovators around the Pittsburgh area to increase exposure to the field of computer science and entrepreneurship. Join shady.Hacks to meet like-minded individuals, learn new skills, and create something amazing. During the event, you will have 6 hours to create a project to a project that addresses one critical issue that will be announced at the start of the event. It will be broad, and we aim for your creativity to run freely. At the end of the event, competitors will present their projects to a panel of judges. The best projects will win prizes offered by our sponsors. Participants will receive complementary shirts, certificates, and other goodies. Register now to secure your spot at shady.Hacks 2025. See the FAQ and handbook for more info.

Learn more in the handbook→

Prizes

Masterclass

AI Ignition with Python: An Introduction to Python and AI

Embark on a thrilling journey into the world of artificial intelligence with our power-packed masterclass. This two-hour session is crafted for individuals ready to take the first step in their AI project for the hackathon, providing essential insights and practical guidance to kickstart your AI endeavors. By the end of AI Ignition, you will leave with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to embark on your AI project. Join us for an hour of inspiration, hands-on learning, and actionable insights as we guide you through the exciting world of artificial intelligence. Ignite your AI journey. Taught by experienced industry leader Indrajit Poddar, Senior Technical Architect at AWS.

Web Development

This masterclass will delve into the basics of Web Development, offering you the skills you will need to create a meaningful project to display to the judges. This course will be taught using SSA curriculum, and will give you the tools needed to succeed. Taught by SSA Computer Science Chair Mr. Dawson Haytock.

Special Guest

Learn from a renowned CMU professor in a one-hour masterclass designed to introduce you to the cutting-edge innovations taking place in academia today. More details soon.

Recap

FAQ

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included in your registration! Lunch will be cheese/pepperoni pizza or salad, water, and a snack. Feel free to bring your own lunch if desired.

Technology and devices included?

We will provide 3D Printers, Arduinos, MakeyMakey's, Assorted Censors, Controllers, Phones, VR Headsets, Laptops and more. You are welcome to bring any hardware and software you'd like to succeed!

I am a middle schooler. Can I succeed in this hackathon?

No worries about skill gaps here. We will be hosting masterclasses that are tailored to beginners and younger competitors that will bring you up to speed. In addition, we provide novice awards for people getting into the space.

What is a hackathon?

Our hackathon is a 6-hour event where students come together to create a project that solves a problem. Students can work individually or in teams of up to 4 people. At the end of the 6 hours, students will present their projects to a panel of judges. The best projects will win prizes!

Who can participate?

Any middle or high school student can participate! You do not need to have any prior experience with coding or hackathons. We will be hosting workshops to help you get started on your project.