What is a Hackathon?
A hackathon is a problem-solving marathon. The event brings together teams of people to work on problems over an extended period of time. Hackathons have roots in technology, but anyone can participate in this type of event.
What is The Big Black Hack?
The Big Black Hack is a virtual hackathon that brings together teams of Black college students to solve real-world problems through collaboration, innovation, and technology. We are bringing the best and brightest talents together to make a positive impact in the world!
The Big Black Hack is a virtual program that consists of an opening reception, pre-event workshops, a pitch competition and of course some amazing prizes!
Everyone is a winner!!!!
Participants of the Big Black Hack will also have an opportunity to apply for YBLA’s Black Talent Pipeline which includes a cultural service trip to the Dominican Republic.
Participants will have an opportunity to win scholarships, cryptocurrency, and technology! Participants can also connect with our corporate sponsors Bank of America, Barings, and PwC.
During The Big Black Hack, participants will have the opportunity to
Network with corporate sponsors and business professionals
Work on real-world problems
Win cool prizes including cryptocurrency, scholarships, and technology
Learn about Black wealth, digital currency, and investing
Network with other Black college students
Learn about internship and job opportunities
Learn about YBLA’s Black Talent Pipeline and Cultural Service Trip to Dominican Republic
Eligibility
Students that identify as Black
Enrolled as an undergraduate sophomore graduating in 2024
The Big Black Hack 2022 Theme
The theme for The Big Black Hack 2022 is hacking the Black wealth gap. At $171,000, the net worth of a typical white family is nearly ten times greater than that of a Black family ($17,150) in 2016.
The Big Black Hack 2022 Program Flow
The Big Black Hack 2022 will be implemented in a virtual format
Students who sign up as an individual will be placed on a team
Teams will be provided with The Big Black Hack 2022 Problem Statement during the opening session on March 7, 2022
Students will participate in teams of three or four
Students can sign up as individuals or with their team
Application Period
10
January
2021
Monday, 10:00am
Application Opens
18
February
2022
Friday, 11:59pm
Application Closes
22
February
2022
Team Announcements
04
March
2022
Team Acceptance
Tuesday, 06:00pm
All team members must accept their individual offer by
11:59pm on Friday, January 28, 2022
Hack Schedule
07
March
2022
Monday
Virtual Kick Off
Problem Statement announcement
15
March
2022
Tuesday
Virtual Pre-event Webinar
Black Wealth & Pitching workshop
18
March
2022
Friday
Pitch Practice
19
March
2022
Saturday
(9am – 5pm)
Pitch Day
*Snacks, refreshments, and lunch will be provided on The Big Black Hack Pitch Day.
The Big Black Hack Prizes
First Place
$2,000
Cash Scholarship
(Team splits)
$1,000
Cryptocurrency
(Team splits)
(One for each member)
Amazon
Echo Dot
Second Place
$1,000
Cash Scholarship
(Team splits)
$500
Cryptocurrency
(Team splits)
(One for each member)
Amazon
Echo Dot
Third Place
$500
Cash Scholarship
(Team splits)
$250
Cryptocurrency
(Team splits)
All participants will have an opportunity to interview for YBLA’s Black Talent Pipeline which includes
-
Professional Career Development Training
-
Internship opportunities with Bank of America, PwC, and Barings
-
Potential for a $10,000 internship
-
Cultural Service Trip to Dominican Republic (Summer 2022)
Sponsors / Volunteers
If you would like to sponsor this event or volunteer, please contact Wanda Smith at
