High School Spring Hackathon

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On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the Department of Computing, Information and Mathematical Sciences, and Technology (CIMST) at Chicago State University hosted a successful High School Spring Hackathon from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM in Harold Washington Hall, Rooms 107, 207, 209, 211, and 212. The event brought together approximately 55 high school students and educators from three Chicago-area schools: Chicago Vocational School (CVS), Ellison High School, and Corliss High School.

• Chicago Vocational School (CVS) attended with 2 teachers and 30 junior and senior students.
• Ellison High School was represented by 1 counselor and 3 students.
• Corliss High School joined with 2 teachers and 22 students.

This initiative was made possible in part through the generous support of Dr. Carolyn C. Wadlington, Ed.D., Dual Enrollment Director at Chicago State University, who played a key role in coordinating and bringing high school students to the event.

The day began with a warm welcome by Dr. Mohammad Abdus Salam, Chair of the CIMST Department, followed by remarks from Dean Mark Smith of the College of Arts and Sciences, who introduced the students to the broader opportunities available at Chicago State University. Several CIMST faculty members, along with current undergraduate and graduate students, also took part in welcoming the guests and engaging with them throughout the event.

Students were treated to a guided campus tour, including key facilities such as the Student Union, Library, Residence Halls, and Emil and Patrcia Jones Convocation Center helping them envision the college experience at CSU. Upon returning to Harold Washington Hall, participants were divided into classrooms to begin their Hackathon activities.

The Hackathon featured a series of community-focused tech challenges, with themes like Chicago Life Hacks, Mental Health Tools, Urban Sustainability, Transportation Solutions, Food Insecurity, and App Design for Student Needs. Working in teams, students developed creative, practical ideas and presented their concepts using posters, storyboards, mockups, and short pitches. Their deliverables reflected both problem-solving and digital communication skills, even without the use of formal coding tools.

A panel of faculty and student judges reviewed the presentations and distributed small gifts to the participants in recognition of their efforts. The event concluded with lunch and closing remarks, wrapping up a dynamic day of exploration, creativity, and connection.

The High School Hackathon served as an engaging outreach and recruitment initiative, highlighting the CIMST department's commitment to fostering interest in technology and higher education among youth from neighboring communities.

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