The constant typing of keyboards; productive planning conversations in the cafeteria; workshop presentations in each classroom; 24 hours of collaborative coding, free food and little sleep. This is HackBI.
In Alexandria, Bishop Ireton High School’s HackBI team is preparing for its ninth annual hackathon. HackBI IX, student-led and hosted for students in the area, will be Jan. 17-18, 2026.
A hackathon is a unique opportunity for individuals to use their technology skills within a limited time frame to create a solution, otherwise known as a “hack.” HackBI is a free event where middle and high school students engage in collaborative design and coding to compete for prizes. Students learn valuable computer programming skills and work to create projects centering around a theme revealed to participants at the beginning. Last January, approximately 180 students from 14 high schools and 21 middle schools participated in the event. HackBI IX marks the fourth year that Major League Hacking has sponsored the event.
Middle school students enjoy a one-day experience, while high school participants stay for an immersive overnight event. Students learn how to apply various coding tools and software for projects that foster learning and growth.
Student-led workshops give attendees a little taste of everything: Java, Python, AI/Machine Learning, video editing, engineering, robotics and more. Attendees also join in community building events such as icebreakers, a Women in STEM panel, an alumni panel, late-night Mass, a video game tournament and the ever-popular dancing and singing with DJ Bob Artman. After either sleeping or hacking through the night, projects are submitted and presented to the judges on Sunday morning with a closing ceremony and prize winners announced shortly after. Students are encouraged to cook up an impressive project for the chance at a category prize, such as “Best Overall Hack,” “Best Use of Theme,” “Best Real-World Application,” and more.
HackBI is a special opportunity because this hackathon is open to students of any skill level. Competitors gain support from industry mentors and participate in student-led workshops on a variety of beginner and advanced topics. Those new to the computer science field are welcomed and encouraged to come. Beyond this, friendly competition brings people together at the event.
HackBI also aims to inspire creativity and innovative thinking. This is achieved through attendees submitting projects and attending workshops. It’s also shown through the hard work of the HackBI student team. This team of 30 students, led by co-directors Ethan Miller and Mary Kate Costello, has been preparing since last March for an exciting weekend of coding and fun.
“My favorite memory is definitely leading the judging process last year,” said Daniel Santillan, HackBI IX admin team leader. “Seeing how impressed collegiate computer science students and industry professionals were with student projects and the hackathon itself encapsulates how hard the talented team works behind the scenes to make an amazing event.”
With industry mentors and panels of professionals to interact with, Ireton guarantees a powerful learning experience and fosters a truly inspiring learning environment.
Find out more
To register, go to hackbi.org/register.
