Break Through: GDI’s Annual Virtual Hackathon

It’s not about getting it right—it’s about getting in there.

Ready to try something new? Whether you’ve never written a single line of code or you’ve been building for years, the GDI Hackathon is your chance to break through—to challenges, to new skills, to your own potential.

This is a failure-friendly event for people who want to experiment, build, and grow in a supportive, welcoming space. You don’t need experience. You just need curiosity and the courage to start.

Hackathons are collaborative events where people come together to design, code, and create solutions. At GDI, it’s not about competition—it’s about learning, connecting, and seeing what’s possible when you give yourself permission to try (but there are prizes!!).

Come as you are. Break through what’s holding you back. Build something you’re proud of.

What to Expect:

• Try New Skills: Explore coding, design, or project management in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment.

• Pitch Your Ideas: Propose your concepts and help shape team projects from the ground up.

• Collaborate: Work closely with teammates and mentors to build something meaningful together.

• Learn by Doing: Gain hands-on experience and confidence through real-time problem-solving.

• Connect: Meet a community of curious beginners and experienced pros ready to support your growth.

Get Ready to Hack: Skill-Building Series (Sept/October Dates TBD)

New to Hackathons or looking to sharpen your skills before the big event? GDI’s "Get Ready to Hack" class series, offered this September and October, is designed just for you. These fast, focused workshops will help you build confidence and learn the essentials:

• Git & GitHub Basics: Learn how to track your work, collaborate with a team, and push your code like a pro.

• Slack 101: Master the communication platform used throughout the hackathon to stay connected and in sync.

• AI Prompt Essentials for Hackathons: Discover how to use AI tools to spark ideas, speed up coding, and solve problems creatively.

• Prototyping and Failing (and Doing It Again): Embrace iteration, learn from missteps, and cultivate a mindset that makes great hackers unstoppable.

Get ready to dive in — because it’s not about getting it right, it’s about getting in there.

Hackathon Agenda

Pre-Hackathon Event: Nov. 4th-10th

• Info Session 

• Install-athon (Software Setup)

• Project Ideation

• Team Formation 

Wednesday, Nov. 12 + Thursday, Nov. 13: 

• Keynote Speakers

• Project Ideation

• Team Formation 

• Panel Discussions

• Hands-on Workshops

• Team Time to Design, Build, and Practice

Friday, Nov. 14:

• Team Hack Day

• Practice

Saturday, Nov. 15: Team Presentations and Awards 

How to Participate: We offer two registration options:

Attendee: Join a hacking team or attend the classes and workshops, including panel discussions and presentations.

Mentor: Support teams, workshops, and events. Mentors can create their own schedules and must attend a brief information session.

Speaker: Interested in sharing an idea? Or a skill? Or offering words of encouragement? Propose an idea and join us as a speaker!

Want to Make a Bigger Impact?

Thanks to our amazing sponsors, the GDI Hackathon is 100% free for all participants, providing beginners and emerging technologists with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build skills, and connect with the tech community.

We’re actively seeking sponsors and partners to help us provide prizes, mentorship, and an unforgettable experience. If you’re passionate about empowering the next generation of tech innovators, we’d love to connect.

📩 Reach out at sponsorship@girldevelopit.com

Why It Matters

At GDI, we’re building an inclusive tech space where women and non-binary adults thrive — and everyone is welcome. Please help us create a future where more voices are at the table, more people feel confident showing up, and more ideas bloom.