about this event
What a better way to connect, innovate, and have some fun with other engineers through a hack-a-thon! Join us for a friendly competition that celebrates Hacktoberfest with our BCC HACK-A-THON. As we know, AI has changed the way software engineers build and conceptualize technology. Regardless of the way we approach SWE, we still can rely on our unique creativity and critical thinking to solve problems that evolve our community and society.
1. Create a team of 2-4 people. 2. Organize and build a solution for one of the three topics below. 3. Show up to our judgement round and proudly show off your work.
Track 1 — AI: Ethics and Access Black communities are among the most impacted by algorithmic bias in hiring, lending, criminal justice, and healthcare — yet are among the least represented in the rooms where AI is designed. Build a tool, framework, or product that increases equitable access to AI's benefits or reduces and exposes its harms.
Track 2 — Modern Healthcare Outcomes Black Americans face persistent disparities in maternal mortality, chronic disease, mental health access, and institutional trust — gaps that technology has not yet closed. Build something that improves health outcomes, expands access to care, or helps rebuild trust between Black communities and the healthcare system.
Track 3 — Community Development Black neighborhoods and small businesses are often under-resourced and overlooked by traditional economic and civic infrastructure. Build a solution that strengthens economic mobility, civic engagement, or resource access within Black communities.
You are able to collaborate in our slack channel as well to organize your teams and participation. Judging will be hosted on October 24th, 2026 3PM - 5PM at the MLK Library. We have cash prizes for our winners for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place. 1st: $500 Prize 2nd: $300 Prize 3rd: $200 Prize
Any questions and concerns can be emailed to tori@blackcodecollective.com or messaged in our slack community via blackcodecollective.com, by mentioning @tori!
tracks
Track 1 — AI: Ethics and Access
Black communities are among the most impacted by algorithmic bias in hiring, lending, criminal justice, and healthcare — yet are among the least represented in the rooms where AI is designed. Build a tool, framework, or product that increases equitable access to AI's benefits or reduces and exposes its harms.
Track 2 — Modern Healthcare Outcomes
Black Americans face persistent disparities in maternal mortality, chronic disease, mental health access, and institutional trust — gaps that technology has not yet closed. Build something that improves health outcomes, expands access to care, or helps rebuild trust between Black communities and the healthcare system.
Track 3 — Community Development
Black neighborhoods and small businesses are often under-resourced and overlooked by traditional economic and civic infrastructure. Build a solution that strengthens economic mobility, civic engagement, or resource access within Black communities.
when
Black Code Collective Hack-A-Thon — Judging Round
Judging round hosted at the MLK Library, where teams present their work to the judges.
◍ MLK Librarytickets
| tickets | price | Fee | Status | description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Admission | Free | TBA | Available | Free entry to the Black Code Collective Hack-A-Thon. |
prizes
| # | PRIZE | price |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Place | Cash prize | $500 |
| 2nd Place | Cash prize | $300 |
| 3rd Place | Cash prize | $200 |