Welcome to HawkHacks @ Harper — a student-led mini hackathon where Harper College innovators, coders, and creators come together to build cool, useful, and impactful tech.

This year’s theme is: Everyday Innovation 🛠
We’re challenging you to build tools that solve real-life problems—big or small. Whether it's an app to simplify student life, a productivity tool, or an AI-powered solution, if it makes life better, we want to see it.

🗓 Hackathon Schedule:

  • Kickoff: May 30 @ 6PM CST

  • Hacking Period: May 30 @ 6PM – June 1 @ 6PM

  • Submission Deadline: June 1 @ 6PM CST

  • Judging & Awards: June 2

💡 You can work solo or in teams of up to 3. Beginners are 100% welcome.

 

All projects must be submitted through this Devpost by the deadline to be considered. Every team will be recognized in at least one category—so bring your best ideas, have fun, and build something awesome 🚀

Requirements

Each team must submit the following via Devpost:

 

✅ A brief description of your project and what it does

✅ A public link to your GitHub repository

✅ (Optional but encouraged) Screenshots or a demo video

✅ List of technologies or APIs used

✅ Team members’ names (and their edu emails for verification)

 

You may also include a Notion page, Figma mockups, or anything else that helps explain your project.

 

All code should be written during the event—pre-existing templates or boilerplate are fine, but submissions must reflect work done during the hackathon. 

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

6 non-cash prizes
Best Overall Project
3 winners

The top project across all criteria. Solid tech, great idea, clean design, and clear communication.
Prize: HawkHacks Champion Certificate + Special Discord Role

Best UI/UX Design
6 winners

Prettiest layout, smoothest interface, or most creative visual concept.
Prize: “Pixel Perfection” Award + Discord Badge

Most Creative Idea
9 winners

Wild, hilarious, or super unexpected? This one’s for you.
Prize: “Certified Idea Goblin” Award

Most Impactful Project
6 winners

Awarded to projects that show serious potential to evolve into real-world tools, products, or startups. These aren’t just clever ideas — they’re well-executed, practical, and clearly built for long-term use or scale.
Prize: “Startup Spark” Award

Best Use of AI or Automation
6 winners

Smartest use of tools like OpenAI, bots, or scripts that do the work for you.
Prize: “AI Whisperers” Award

Innovation in Motion
6 winners

For the hacks that make a difference. These projects go beyond code to solve real problems — whether it’s boosting accessibility, supporting mental health, fighting climate change, or helping a specific community.
Prize: “Changemakers Award”

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Habib Younas

Judging Criteria

  • Presentation & Communication (10%)
    Was the project explained clearly in the Devpost submission? Bonus if there’s a short video or clear screenshots!
  • Technical Execution (25%)
    Does the project work as intended? How well does it use technology (APIs, code quality, integrations, etc.)?
  • Creativity & Originality (25%)
    Is the idea unique, fun, or clever? Does it approach a common problem in a new way?
  • Design & User Experience (15%)
    Is the interface clean, cute, and easy to use? Did the team put thought into visuals or UX?
  • Usefulness & Impact (25%)
    How useful is the project? Could it help real users in everyday life?

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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