WARMINSTER, PA – STEM Enrichment of Pennsylvania (STEMEPA), a student-run nonprofit organization, is set to host its "Innovate Challenge" hackathon on September 26, 2025.[1] The event, designed to inspire and challenge young programmers, will take place from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Fab Lab Center located at One Ivybrook Blvd., Suite 190, Warminster PA 18974.[2]
This high-energy event is organized by students from Council Rock High School and aims to provide a platform for teenagers to transform their coding potential.[3] Participants will have the opportunity to solve complex coding challenges in Python and Java, collaborate in small teams, and compete for a range of exciting prizes.
The "Innovate Challenge" is more than just a competition; it is a community-driven learning experience. The event aligns with STEMEPA's broader mission to foster a genuine passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics among young learners through hands-on experiences and mentorship.[4] Attendees will have the chance to network with industry professionals and learn from experienced mentors dedicated to nurturing the next generation of innovators.
In keeping with the spirit of a classic hackathon, all participants will be treated to free pizza and drinks.
Prizes and Recognition:
The top three teams will be awarded for their coding prowess and problem-solving skills:
-
1st Place: Official STEMEPA Trophy and tech items, including a mechanical keyboard and a smart digital light.
-
2nd Place: Official STEMEPA Certificate and Award.
-
3rd Place: Official STEMEPA Certificate and Award.
Special awards will also be given for Best Teamwork (Mechanical Blue Switch Keyboard), Best Creativity (Smart Digital Light), and Best Design (Gaming Keyboard Pro). All participants will receive certificates of participation.
Competition Rules:
To ensure a fair and challenging environment, the competition will be conducted under strict rules. There will be no internet access or use of AI code generation tools during the challenges. The first team to submit a correct solution will receive the highest score, and no partial points will be awarded.
The Fab Lab Center, a hub for STEAM learning and innovation in Bucks County, provides the ideal backdrop for this event with its access to advanced technology and collaborative workspaces.
Requirements
STEMepa Hackathon: Innovators'
Challenge
Event Overview
The STEMepa Hackathon is a beginner-friendly coding competition designed to spark
creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving in students ages 13–18.
Teams will tackle a set of 6 programming challenges that start easy and grow in difficulty.
Problems will be projected one at a time, and teams will submit solutions digitally. Points are
awarded for correct answers, with harder problems earning more points.
This event is free, fun, and designed to welcome both first-time coders and more experienced
students.
Basic Event Details
●
●
Date: September 26, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
●
Location: FabLab Warminster
●
●
●
Who Can Join: Students ages 13–18 (teams of up to 3 members)
Team Limit: 15 teams (first come, first served)
Cost: FREE
●
What to Bring: Laptop, charger, and any printed notes or textbooks you want to
reference
Rules & Guidelines
●
Allowed Languages: Java, Python, C#, C++ (standard libraries only)●
Each student may bring one laptop (plus optional keyboard/mouse/monitor).
●
No desktops, virtual machines, or streaming services (Discord, Twitch, etc.).
●
No pre-written code files. You may bring printed notes and textbooks.
●
Internet access is for official documentation/tutorials only (no AI tools, forums, or
code repositories).
●
All solutions must be programmatic — no hardcoding.
●
Unlimited submissions are allowed; incorrect attempts count in tie-breakers.
●
Judges’ rulings are final.
Competition Format
●
6 problems total, increasing in difficulty.
●
All teams compete in one room.
●
Problems projected one at a time.
●
Submissions via Google Forms.
●
Teams work at their own pace — not all problems need to be solved.
Scoring & Placement
●
Points are awarded per correct solution (harder problems worth more).
●
Tie-breakers:
1. Fewer incorrect submissions
2. Earlier time of last correct submission
Event Schedule
6:00 – 6:15 PM: Check-in, rules, setup
6:15 – 8:40 PM: Competition
8:40 – 9:00 PM: Awards & closing
Prizes & Awards
Top 3 teams: trophies + medals
Certificates & swag for winners
Volunteers Needed
This event is simple to host and only requires about 5 volunteers:
●2 judges (check submissions, scoring)
●2 helpers (check-in, logistics)
●1 coordinator/tech support
Prizes
Mechanical Keyboard
Wireless 61% Mechanical Keyboard, Modes BT5.0/2.4G/Wired, Backlit Ultra-Compact 68Keys Gaming Keyboard with Stand-Alone Arrow/Control Keys (Blue Switch)
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
Aarav Upadhyay
Stem Enrichment of Pennsylvania
Judging Criteria
-
Accuracy
-
Creativity
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
Tell your friends
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.