Hackathon Development
for Data Science Students 

We created a highly competitive challenge that involved over a hundred of the brightest students, solving real-world problems for our partner companies. 

 Overview

The project was implemented as part of the work in the Edtech company. All programs in this company contain a lot of authentic practice and are partially designed using the project-based learning method.

My objective was to organize an event for over a hundred students studying data science for two semesters.

The Hackathon aimed to achieve the following objectives:

 Solution

I designed and developed the Hackathon concept and program based on the learning outcomes. Working with subject-matter experts, I wrote case studies and assessment criteria. I also created all handouts, consulted mentors, and analyzed feedback at the end of the event. 

Needs Analysis 

In collaboration with the leading SME program, we identified the necessary skills that participants should possess before attending the Hackathon. These skills would form the foundation for solving a real-world case and be strengthened through practice. 

Moreover, during the brainstorming session, we outlined the objectives to be covered during the event (refer to the Overview section above).

Concept Design 

We've created a concept and program for a 10-day team competition that's based on the principles of adult learning and problem-based learning.

Some key features of the event include:

For our storyline, we've opted for a space journey inspired by Douglas Adams' “The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.”

After partnering with relevant companies, we began development.

Development

First, we outlined a work plan with our assisting professionals: a community manager, a designer, and an event coordinator.

Next, we developed specific tasks for the competition, each of which included problem formulation, solution result requirements, and datasets.

Next, we created thorough assessment criteria and rubrics, mainly centered around the idea of the constructive alignment principle.

Together with the lead SME, I provided a brief onboarding training for each mentor. The onboarding covers important organizational information, guidelines for giving feedback, case details, and evaluation criteria.

Evaluation

Following the Hackathon, we created three types of feedback forms to gather feedback from different groups: participants, task authors and jury members (SMEs), and organizers. In addition, we talked to some of them personally to receive more detailed and in-depth feedback.

Analyzing the feedback helped us identify the strongest practices to keep in the future and the ones that require improvement. 

 Results

Most of the subject-matter experts praised the depth and professionalism of problem solutions. Based on feedback from all participants and observations of their behavior, the event's goals were achieved at a rate of 70-100%.

Furthermore, the event received a high Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) score of 86 %. Future Hackathons became one of the most anticipated events for students. 8 out of 10 SMEs continued to collaborate with us in future events, which demonstrated the high quality of our collaboration management.

 TAKEAWAYS

I participated in every part of the process and gained skills in managing large educational events.

This experience showed me what a good learning experience should look like — bright and memorable, connected to real-world tasks, easily understandable, and supportive.