By Matthew Sotlar and Joshua Robison / The Jambar
Youngstown State University will host its 10th annual HackYSU March 21-23 in the DeBartolo Stadium Club. For 36 hours, students of all majors will have the chance to code, craft or create anything of their choice for a cash prize.
HackYSU is sponsored by YSU’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and the YSU Computer Club. YSU graduate Joe Duncko started the event in 2015, when it was previously held in Meshel Hall.
Sarah Streb, YSU Computer Club secretary, said the event is a great way for students to express their creativity through technology.
“You get a really pretty view of Youngstown, and you could work either by yourself or in groups to make whatever you want,” Streb said. “Work on homework or make a group project, we’ve had some really cool things in the past.”
Streb said some prize-winning creations in the past include artificial intelligence-powered guitar trainers, an app designed for students to easily communicate with tutors and a replica Mars rover.
“There’s no limit, you could create whatever you want,” Streb said. “But you could either just make it for fun or submit it to our panel of judges for prizes.”
Several Mahoning Valley organizations are sponsoring HackYSU, including the Youngstown Business Incubator, 45Press and America Makes. Streb said the event provides students with the opportunity to connect with local businesses.
“Once in a while, you make [creations] based on what our sponsors want to see. Sponsors will also take student resumes and look over those as well,” Streb said.
Streb added that food and snacks will be supplied for students, along with workshops taught by professionals from various industries.
“For Local Hack Day in the last couple of months, we’ve had somebody from Meta come in and give a talk,” Streb said.
Streb also said that all projects will be judged on March 23, and the prize types and amounts change every year for each category.
“Past prizes have been AirPods [and] if you are any kind of technical person, you know what a raspberry pie is,” Streb said.
Streb said the event encourages all students who are interested in technology to participate, regardless of expertise.
“If you’re into technology, this is the thing for you,” Streb said. “If you want to learn a new skill, it is a fantastic environment for it. I watched a buddy personally who came in… he really wanted to sit down and just learn and make something, and he did it.”
Students can register online at hackysu.com. Free overnight parking will be provided at the M70 lot near Stambaugh Stadium for students with or without a parking pass.