Welcome to HackYSU 2023

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 2023 will be held at Youngstown State University in the DeBartolo Stadium Club on April 14-16th.

• 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.

• 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 considered.

• Are there prizes?

Yep! There will be cash prizes for the best projects, and potentially other prizes for certain 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!

• 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 have 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.