She Hacks Chi is a hackathon that brings beginner and intermediate coders together with experienced developers to hack in a supportive environment. Collaborating in teams, participants will experience what it is like to transform an idea into a scalable prototype through 10 hours of hacking. The hackathon will provide attendees with opportunities to network, design, and build innovative websites and applications to help close the gender gap in tech.Â
Build an application, website, or game that will get girls ages 8-15 interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics).
A report by the U.S. Department of Commerce found only one in seven engineers is female. In fact, women have seen no employment growth in STEM jobs since 2000. Studies have found that the problem starts as early as grade school. Young boys and girls have been steered in different directions when it comes to STEM fields. This difference has directly lead to under-representation of women in STEM careers. At She Hacks Chi, we aim to close the gender gap in tech by giving girls the tools they need to successfully pursue STEM career paths.
At She Hacks Chi,  you'll find a newbie-friendly environment with experienced mentors for every team, starter templates, and the opportunity to mix and mingle with prominent women in the Chicago tech community. On Friday evening, we will discuss the topic, form teams, pair each team with a mentor, and make sure you have everything you'll need installed on your laptop to start hacking first thing Saturday morning.Â
Cost?
She Hacks Chi is a free event organized by cleverbridge and friends. All meals will be provided (plus snacks and drinks!).
Location?
cleverbridge's Chicago Office in River North
350 N Clark St, Suite 700
Chicago, IL 60654
What if I don't have a team?
She Hacks Chi is all about meeting new people. We will do a team formation activity on Friday. We aim to form teams of 3-5 members, with a minimum of 2 beginners. If you would like to be on the same team as your friend(s), just let us know.Â
Â
What technologies do I need to know?
She Hacks Chi is open to it all. If you know a bit of HTML & CSS, you'll do just fine. JavaScript heroes will be welcomed with open arms. Ruby, PHP, Node... bring it on! This is a learning experience, be ready to get your hands dirty.Â
Â
What should I bring?
Bring your laptop, phone, chargers, and ideas on how to close the tech gender gap!
Prizes
TBA!
Become a mentor!Â
Contact Steph (milovic@cleverbridge.com)Â to learn more about becoming a mentor, team lead, help desk specialist, or volunteer at She Hacks Chi.
The gender disparity in technology fields is a serious issue. cleverbridge wants to change the trend by paving avenues for women to explore technology. She Hacks Chi aims to improve the ratio by pairing fresh female developers with the resources and network they need to succeed in the tech industry.Â
This hackathon seeks to provide a harassment-free community and positive experience for everyone. Participants are welcome, regardless of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, or identity. All attendees are expected to show respect to each other.
Harassment, discrimination, and bias will not be tolerated. Harassment includes but is not limited to offensive verbal comments, deliberate intimidation, stalking or following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other aspects of the event, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.
All communication must be appropriate for a professional audience. Any participant or attendee of the event whose conduct does not meet the above guidelines of appropriateness will be discharged from the event.
