We are HackBAC.

Our Mission | HackBAC inspires and cultivates genius in young leaders of color who innovate for positive social impact.

Map to Genius (How do we live out the mission?)

    •    Meaningful mentorship 

    •    Affirming (accessible) environment that celebrates all identities 

    •    Promotion of transformative ideation

Statement of Purpose | Our purpose is grounded in our mission: We provide a diverse and challenging environment to unlock and harness intellectual genius, cultivate creativity, and extend empathy in order to innovate transformative social change

Origins | Formed in response to the racial reckoning of 2020 in the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

  • Hackathons are multi-day events designed for ideation and presentation of innovative ideas related to a theme. Hackathon themes are generally broad with well-defined and narrower subthemes (tracks) that students join to collaboratively develop specific solutions. Hackathon solutions can be new or enhanced inventions, technologies, forms of communication, or an entrepreneurial venture.

  • This is a virtual and in person event. Teams will work together throughout the three-day event using tools such as Zoom and Google Drive. Students located in proximity to the physical locations have the opportunity to participate in person.

  • The challenge is a four-day sprint, typically ending on Sunday afternoon. Since the goal is to rapidly bring meaningful solutions to life, participants should expect to commit to the entire duration of the Challenge. In the event participants are unable to be present, they should communicate with their availability to team members.

  • Entrepreneurship credits will be awarded for ideas presented by groups and chosen by a panel of experts at the conclusion of the hackathon. Ultimately, teams will be competing to win up to $1,000 in entrepreneurship credits for their venture.

Participation

  • In the wake of summer 2020’'s racial reckoning, HackBAC was intentionally created as an affinity space for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) 8th-12th grade highly motivated students. As society continues to evolve, it’s even more crucial that we include allies in this work.

    HackBAC is open to students of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds who have demonstrated interest in advancing the work of social justice.

  • No! Participants of all academic and professional backgrounds are welcome! Technical or coding experience is always helpful, but it is not required.

  • Please have a faculty/staff representative from the school register each student participant using the registration button above. The registration period for 2026 conferences opens on November 1st and closes on February 2. Once students have been registered, we will follow up with the faculty/staff representative regarding students' contact information and interest in thematic tracks and the dissemination of the curriculum.

  • Participants who express an interest in one of the hackathon's themes (tracks) will work collaboratively together in teams of 5 - 10 members.

  • This challenge is focused on solving some of the most pressing problems related to health equity, social determinants of health, and systemic oppression in institutions for BIPOC and underserved communities. Participants are encouraged to come with these problems in mind, but you don’t need to have an answer in hand. You’ll work with teams to develop solutions that will have a meaningful impact.

  • Teams will be connected with experienced mentors throughout the weekend to help them create, iterate, build, and develop solutions as quickly as possible.

Support

  • If you have a question, please contact blackalumnicollective@saes.org.

  • Follow us on Instagram: @saesbac

Meet our Team.

See teams