STEM4US! AI Ag-Tech Youth Hackathon
October 9–11, 2026
⚡ LIMITED: 15 Free Team Passes Remaining
Middle & High School students learn AI tools, build real app prototypes, and compete for top prizes—100% online from home.
See What a Hackathon Looks Like
1-Min Hackathon Highlight Reel
Why Mentorship Matters
Energy Pioneer David K. Owens
Why Join the Hackathon?
Scholarship Portfolio
Build working AI apps and earn verified credentials for college and job applications.
Cash Prizes
Compete in live virtual team pitches evaluated by industry judges and corporate sponsors.
Live Mentorship
Work directly alongside 36+ professional software engineers, energy leaders, and AI pioneers.
3-Day Weekend Schedule
| Time (EST) | Session Details | Track |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Virtual Lobby Check-In & Opening Keynote | Keynote |
| 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM | Parent Panel & AI Family Agreement Challenge (Hon. Judge Michael Pearson) | Parenting Panel |
| 7:15 PM – 7:45 PM | Parent Speed Coaching & Live 30-Sec Pitches | Parent Track |
| 7:50 PM – 8:25 PM | Executive Welcome & Challenge Reveal (Food Deserts Prompt) | Main Kickoff |
| 8:25 PM – 9:00 PM | Team Matchmaking, Discord Setup & Saturday Roadmap | Team Formation |
| Time (EST) | Session Details | Track |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Welcome Sprint, Keynote & Gamer Stretch Workout #1 | Energizer |
| 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Industry Session (Drones/Ag-Tech) & AI Prompt Engineering Workshop | Technical Workshop |
| 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Morning Mentor Checkpoint & Team Brainstorming | Mentoring |
| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Gamer Posture Reset & Lunch Discord Lounge | Meal Break |
| 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | No-Code Prototyping Workshop (Glide Apps & Google Sheets) | Technical Workshop |
| 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Hackathon Build Session #1 & Afternoon Mentor Sprints | Youth Working |
| 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Motivational Speaker, Dinner Break & Mentor Chats | Meal / Speaker |
| 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM | Deep-Dive Coding Session & Late-Night Co-Working Lounge | Youth Working |
| Time (EST) | Session Details | Track |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Morning Sprint, Mentor Health Checks & Demo Locks | Final Build |
| 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM | Cyber Career Panel, Posture Workout & Lunch Showcase | Career Panel |
| 1:15 PM – 2:45 PM | Pitch Coaching Workshop & Mock Rehearsals (Slide Lock 2:45 PM) | Pitch Coaching |
| 3:00 PM – 4:10 PM | Live Virtual Pitch Presentations (5-Min Pitch + 2-Min Judge Q&A) | Live Broadcast |
| 4:10 PM – 5:00 PM | Parent Recognition Awards & Student Hackathon Closing Ceremony | Grand Finale |
Event Patrons & Partners
Institutional Anchors
Robert Corley (Virginia State University)
Prince George's County Council
Platinum Partners
Talib Karim Muhammad (Abe Legal / USAMCC)
Alan Cousin
David K. Owens (Division & Strategies)
Orlan Johnson (NAD)
Gold & Silver Supporters
Sharifah Masten
Marion Charles Williams
OSadorra
Xan Grant
Yvonne H. Burnley
Sherrod Ala Woods
Tony Starks
Jimi Page
Charles Orbih
Alexander Maximov
Registration Pathways
Most Popular
Sponsored / Free Pass
$0 Waived
Free access for the first 15 registered student teams and returning STEM4US! hackathon alumni.
Claim Free Pass
Team Pass Special
$100 / 5 Students
Register a full team of up to 5 students (Only $20/student). Extended discount ends tonight!
Register Team
Pro Mentor Pass
$150 USD
For active tech professionals volunteering to coach student cohorts during weekend build sprints.
Register As Mentor
VIP Cohort Sponsor
$500+ USD
Sponsor an entire student team cohort and secure prominent brand placement across regional networks.
Sponsor Cohort