Fargo’s Hackathon Competition Returns To Help Solve Real-World Problems

Description

Fargo’s Hackathon returns in September, powered this year by Emerging Digital Academy and Fargo Cass Public Health. The event will take place 100% virtually on Saturday & Sunday, September 26-27.

In a special collaboration with Fargo Cass Public Health, the theme this year is: “How household income impacts health outcomes in Cass County.”

Coders, designers, students, and entrepreneurs are all welcome to grab their laptops and their thinking caps and get ready for this year's virtual Hackathon brought to you by Emerging Digital Academy, AT&T and 702 Communications.

In 24 hours, participants will take data and collaborate to create something that addresses public health, then present their project to a panel of judges. Space is limited to 50 participants.

Justin Bohrer, Public Health Analyst at Fargo Cass Public Health, is excited for this unique collaboration.
“As the FM area continues to grow, our community faces challenges of much larger cities. Social and
economic factors can make out roughly 40% of the health factors that impact health outcomes. This
year is especially challenging as COVID-19 has either reduced or almost-eliminated incomes for many
homes. Fargo Cass Public Health is excited to be a part of this year’s Hackathon and we look forward to
seeing what the very-creative people in our community create.”

From food deserts to transportation to addiction, it's been proven that income impacts health outcomes. Participants’ goal is to use any tools or data to create something that helps professionals or individuals identify these disparities.

Who Can Participate:
No need to be a master techie, but some knowledge of coding, programming, design or data is needed. This is a great opportunity for students and young hackers to get experience and for tech veterans to have some fun.

Teams can be 1-4 people. Participants are invited to form teams before attending.

Event Timeline:
Saturday, Sept. 26: Kickoff

• 11:00am: Kick-Off with remarks from Fargo Cass Public Health Director Desi Fleming
• 11:30am: Hackathon Begins

• 1:00 pm: Presentation and Judging Begins (friends, family & public encouraged to attend!)
• 3:00 pm: Awards presented to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams