HackYSU 2026 is happening! RSVP at the links below

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is HackYSU?

HackYSU is a hack-a-thon / make-a-thon, an event where students of all majors and experience levels come together to create something - normally a creative technology project like an app or website - over the course of a weekend.

• Where and when is HackYSU?

HackYSU 2026 will be held in the Debartolo Stadium Club, Stambaugh Stadium, at Youngstown State University. March 13-15 2026

• What if I don't know what to make?

If you aren't sure what to make, that's okay! Some projects only become apparent the weekend of, and that's part of the fun.

There will be an intinerary full of workshops to inspire you. Whether its a website, game, application, hardware, a data science solution or something you just made on the computer we want to see it!*

*Within reason. Remember this is a collegiate event that may have minors in attendance.

• What do people do at hackathons?

Students will have 36 hours to create anything they want – software, hardware, a business plan, art, a design, anything – in the pursuit of experience, fun, knowledge, and prizes. Projects will be exhibited in a showcase Sunday around noon.

• Do I register for my team? What if I'm alone?

Registration is on a person-by-person basis. Even if you know who your team is, each team member will need to register separately.

If you're attending alone, that is okay! There will be a teambuilding event on the intinerary to help you find who your people are. And lone wolves win prizes too!

• Does it cost anything to participate?

Nope! Not only is HackYSU free, but you'll recieve some complimentary food and swag too.

• How do I register?

Use the Registration link at the top of the site!

If you are under 18 or a high school student please email us at contact@ysucomputerclub.com prior to the event to be sent parent/guardian liability waiver documents.

If you already know who your team is, great! Each team member will still need to register independently to ensure we capture t shirt size, dietary restrictions, and so on.

• Are there prizes?

Yep! There will be ranked prizes for the best projects, and potentially other prizes for various categories thanks to our amazing sponsors. But really, it's not about winning as much as it's about learning, creating, and networking.

• Do I need to be able to code?

Nope! Not only is HackYSU not a programming-only event (though there will be a lot of it), it is an educational experience. No matter what your experience is, you are welcome here. Everyone is invited to expand their skill set and make something! We'll have mentors around helping students with their hacks and hardware - including our Raspberry Pis you can borrow and hack on. There will also be a team building session where you can meet some other attendees who you can work with for the weekend!

 

Our friends over at Kent Hack Enough put together this guide on how to succeed at a hackathon, no matter your technical background.

Check it out by clicking the link here!

 

• What are the rules?

Hackers must abide by Major League Hacking's Code of Conduct and YSU's Code of Conduct.

Also, teams must consist of 5 or less hackers, and all projects must be created at the hackathon to qualify for prizes. Feel free to plan a bit at home, but it wouldn't be fair if you had a head start!

• What do I need to participate?

Ideally, you'll have a computer and some hygiene basics, but if you don't have access to a personal computer, let us know! We will have Raspberry Pis available for you to borrow for the duration of the event, and we can look into getting monitors, keyboards, etc.

• Have another question?

Email us at contact@ysucomputerclub.com and we'll take care of you.