Every August since 2020, CUNY Tech Prep has hosted CTP Hacks, a learning-first hackathon for our incoming cohort. It combines professional development, technical training, mentoring, and networking with collaborative project building. CTP Hacks is staff- and alumni-run, with support from the tech industry and partner organizations. 

Requirements

WHAT TO BUILD

Besides the general track, teams can also create and submit projects for one of the tracks below:

 

AI / Machine Learning Track

Curious about building with AI? Teams in this track will design projects that explore machine learning, data science, and intelligent applications. Whether it’s a predictive model, a chatbot, or an AI-powered tool, your project should highlight creativity and practical problem-solving with AI.

  • This is your chance to experiment with cutting-edge tools and show how AI can make a real impact.
Tech Career Track

Want to build something that sets you up for your future in tech? Teams in this track will create projects that explore pathways into careers in software engineering, data science, ed tech, health tech, and beyond. Your project should not only showcase your coding skills but also reflect how it could help future technologists develop their careers or land roles.

  • This is your chance to connect what you're learning to where you want to be.

WHAT TO SUBMIT

  • Hackers are not allowed to use projects they have already worked on previously to the event.

  • Projects can be geared toward web development, mobile development, and data science.
  • If selecting the AI/Machine Learning or Tech Career Development track, teams should also be able to answer the question: “How does my project relate to the track?”
  • Projects do not have to be deployed. If the project is not deployed, please provide instructions on how to run it locally.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$325 in prizes
Team Collaboration
$25 in cash
1 winner

SWE Best Practices
$75 in cash
1 winner

Data Science Best Practices
$75 in cash
1 winner

Tech Career Track
$75 in cash
1 winner

AI / Machine Learning Track
$75 in cash
1 winner

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Akbar Mizra

Akbar Mizra
Developer Advocate, Figma

Jyoti Shah

Jyoti Shah
Director of Application Development, ADP

Chetan Dhadankar

Chetan Dhadankar
Senior AI Compliance and Risk Leader, Google

Surbhi Madan

Surbhi Madan
Senior Software Engineer, Google

Thitima Srivatanakul

Thitima Srivatanakul
Assistant Professor, Math & CS, York College, CUNY

Pathak Prayag

Pathak Prayag
Head of IT & ETRM System Development

Judging Criteria

  • Team Collaboration
    Judges will evaluate the level of collaboration and support among teammates, scoring from 0 to 5 points. Scores range from no evidence of collaboration (0 points) to exceptional teamwork and support (5 points).
  • AI/Machine Learning Track
    Whether it’s a predictive model, a chatbot, or an AI tool, project should highlight creativity and practical problem-solving with AI.
  • Tech Career Track
    Teams in this track will create projects that explore pathways into careers in software engineering, data science, ed tech, health tech, and beyond.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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Hackathon sponsors

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