Hackathons at the UW Bothell Makerspace are expanding beyond problem-solving binges into experiences that direct diverse disciplines to solve community needs.
The ambitious approach is the initiative of the UW Bothell chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). It recently was granted $20,000 from the services and activities fee committee to help carry it out.
The money will pay for technical and nontechnical supplies, tools and marketing. The goal is to create a legacy of hackathons applying students with diverse abilities to improve the local community, says Cameron Whalen, the chapter chair.
The club is now seeking partners with problems that could be attacked at the first such hackathon. It’s tentatively planned at the beginning of spring quarter, says Whalen, right.
“These events are focused on exposing our students to local community needs while helping to celebrate and facilitate the collaboration of students from different disciplines and experiences,” says Whalen. “The solutions and products that emerge from the hackathons are just a plus.”