Saturday, November 16, 2024
Marked an exciting day for central Ohio students as they gathered at Africentric High School for the TECH CORPS Hack-a-thon. The 12-hour event, running from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., challenged participants to combine technical creativity with real-world impact. Among the talented attendees was Cornerstone High School junior Ikram Mohamed, who eagerly embraced the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in mobile app development.
Participants were tasked with designing and pitching a mobile app to address one of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. After an opening session introducing app development fundamentals and sustainable goals, Ikram was teamed up with three other attendees to brainstorm ideas for their project. Despite initial nerves about attending the event without knowing anyone, Ikram quickly connected with her teammates, saying, “We clicked instantly, and it made the whole experience so enjoyable.”
Their project, titled Water Alert, was designed to combat pollution by enabling users to report locations where they observed trash, pollution, or injured wildlife. The app aimed to raise global awareness and promote actionable solutions for protecting the environment. “We wanted to create something meaningful that could really help people and the planet,” Ikram shared.
After hours of coding, problem-solving, and collaboration—plus a well-deserved dinner break—the teams presented their apps to a panel of judges. Ikram’s team stood out for their innovative idea and effective presentation, earning a spot as one of the winning groups. They were awarded a certificate and a $200 prize. Reflecting on the win, Ikram said, “I didn’t think we would be one of the winning groups, but we were! I felt so proud and happy to have my parents there to celebrate with me.”
When asked what she planned to do with her prize money, Ikram revealed her thoughtful nature, saying, “I gave it to my parents. I just wanted to give back to them for everything they’ve done for me.”
The experience not only boosted Ikram’s confidence in her coding abilities but also solidified her aspirations to pursue software development in college. “I didn’t know how to code before, but now I feel more confident, and I know this is what I want to do in the future,” she said. Ikram also expressed gratitude for the opportunity, adding, “I’m very grateful to Lead the Way for all the opportunities I’ve been able to take advantage of so far.”
The TECH CORPS Hack-a-thon was a resounding success, showcasing the creativity and determination of students like Ikram Mohamed. A heartfelt thank you to our community partner, TECH CORPS, for organizing such an inspiring event that empowers students to explore technology and build valuable skills for their futures.
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