For high school students curious about coding, app development, or tech entrepreneurship, hackathons are the perfect place to start. These fast-paced, team-driven events allow participants to build real projects, solve real problems, and gain real confidence, all in a matter of hours or days.
You don’t need years of experience to join—just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to learn. In fact, many of the best hackathons are designed specifically for beginners and focus on mentorship, learning, and collaboration rather than competition.
In this guide, we’ve curated 10 beginner-friendly hackathons that welcome high school students, offer plenty of support, and help you build technical and problem-solving skills that will serve you well in any career.
1. CodeDay
Overview:
Held in cities across the U.S. and also available virtually, CodeDay is an inclusive event for students of all skill levels. Participants have 24 hours to create a project in teams, attend workshops, and present what they’ve built to judges and peers.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- No prior experience required
- Offers mentorship and beginner workshops
- Encourages creativity and experimentation
Pro Tip: Don’t worry if you don’t know anyone—CodeDay helps you join or form a team onsite!
2. HackMIT Splash
Overview:
Organized by students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), HackMIT Splash is a virtual hackathon tailored specifically for high schoolers. It combines coding challenges, mini-classes, and mentoring in a weekend of innovation and fun.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Learn from MIT students and tech professionals
- Beginner-friendly workshops and collaborative projects
- Remote access from anywhere in the world
Pro Tip: Come with a project idea or join someone else’s—Splash is all about teamwork and learning.
3. Technica
Overview:
Technica is the largest all-women and non-binary hackathon in the world, held annually at the University of Maryland. It’s open to all students regardless of coding ability and focuses on creating an inclusive space for collaboration.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Dedicated tracks for beginners
- Mentors available around the clock
- Safe and inclusive community
Pro Tip: Even if you’re unsure about tech, Technica includes design and idea tracks to help you ease in.
4. Hack the North
Overview:
Hosted by the University of Waterloo, Hack the North is Canada’s biggest hackathon—but it’s also beginner-friendly, offering intro tracks, mentorship, and workshops alongside its elite competition.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- High energy and well-organized structure
- Free resources and access to tech professionals
- Encourages first-time coders to participate
Pro Tip: Check out their beginner resources section online before the event to get a head start.
5. HackRice
Overview:
HackRice is an annual hackathon hosted by Rice University that welcomes students of all levels. It features prize categories, mentorship, and fun challenges over a weekend of coding.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Offers beginner and education-focused tracks
- Encourages collaboration over competition
- Free swag, food, and networking events
Pro Tip: HackRice often shares past winning projects online—use those for inspiration!
6. HackSC
Overview:
Held at the University of Southern California, HackSC brings together a diverse community of students for a weekend of innovation, collaboration, and hands-on coding.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Workshops cover beginner tools like HTML, Python, and Figma
- Team-based learning with lots of guidance
- Great networking with students and professionals in the tech scene
Pro Tip: If you're into design or business strategy, HackSC lets you join as a non-coder too!
7. Hack the Planet
Overview:
Hack the Planet is an online hackathon focused on building solutions to global challenges using technology. It’s fully remote and runs several times a year.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- No travel required—just a laptop and Wi-Fi
- Focuses on problem-solving, not perfection
- Offers mentorship and learning sessions throughout the event
Pro Tip: Participate in their Discord community early to get advice and meet future teammates.
8. HackNYU
Overview:
HackNYU, hosted by New York University, is open to high school and college students globally. It features categories like health tech, sustainability, and education—making it a great place for those with diverse interests.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Real-world themes give direction for first-time hackers
- Friendly and open atmosphere
- Encourages creative thinking, not just code
Pro Tip: Start with a small, focused project to ensure you finish it within the hackathon window.
9. HackDuke
Overview:
As one of the first “social good” hackathons, HackDuke emphasizes creating technology that solves global challenges—like healthcare, education, and inequality.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Focuses on impact rather than complexity
- Welcomes students from all backgrounds
- Offers mentorship and tracks like data science, software, and design
Pro Tip: Come with a cause you care about—HackDuke values meaningful stories.
10. HackPrinceton
Overview:
HackPrinceton brings together coders, designers, and makers from all over the world. While the event attracts top student talent, it also supports first-time participants through structured mentorship.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Held at one of the most prestigious universities in the U.S.
- Includes learning tracks for new coders
- Welcoming and well-resourced environment
Pro Tip: HackPrinceton often pairs beginners with experienced participants—be proactive about networking!
Why You Should Join a Hackathon (Even If You’re New)
Learn By Doing
Hackathons push you to apply what you know and learn new tools fast, whether that’s HTML, Python, or design software.
Build a Portfolio
By the end of the weekend, you’ll have a real project to show on college applications or resumes.
Network with Mentors and Peers
Many hackathons bring in industry professionals, college students, and educators who can inspire and guide your next steps.
Boost Confidence
You don’t have to win to gain value. Every workshop, line of code, and team conversation helps you grow and gain confidence.
Tips for First-Time Hackathon Participants
- Don’t go alone. Bring a friend—or be ready to team up at the event.
- Join the workshops. They’re often tailored for beginners.
- Focus on learning. Finishing a project is awesome, but growth matters more.
- Ask questions. Mentors are there to help—use them!
- Have fun! The energy at hackathons is contagious. Enjoy it!
Final Thoughts: Start Hacking, Keep Learning
Participating in a hackathon is one of the best ways to kickstart your journey into technology and coding. Whether you’re building your first app, designing a website, or just exploring what’s possible, these 10 hackathons are built for you.
Each one offers hands-on learning, mentorship, and community—no matter your skill level. So pick one that excites you, gather your ideas (and maybe a team), and dive in.
Your first hackathon might just be the spark that ignites your passion for tech—and who knows? It could lead to your future career.
.jpg)
.png){kind=small}
.png)
