Participating in hackathons can significantly enhance your academic profile in today’s competitive college landscape. These programs provide you with practical experience, learning opportunities, and industry connections within a rapidly growing field. One such program is HackMIT's Blueprint, a weekend-long event designed to help students improve their coding skills.  

Blueprint aims to be a collaborative experience in a fast-paced world of technology. With a mix of workshops, project-building sessions, and mentorship, Blueprint gives participants a taste of what it’s like to learn and innovate in a team setting. But is it the right choice for you?

In this guide, we’ll break down what you can expect from Blueprint — its structure, benefits, and key factors to consider before applying — so you can decide if this “learnathon” and hackathon aligns with your goals and interests in tech.

What is HackMIT’s Blueprint?

HackMIT’s Blueprint is a hackathon hosted by MIT and organized specifically for high school students interested in technology, coding, and creative problem-solving. Unlike traditional hackathons that emphasize competition, Blueprint focuses on learning and collaboration, creating an environment where students can explore tech development with guidance from MIT students and industry professionals. 

During Blueprint, students team up to build projects within 24 hours. The program is designed to be accessible to beginners and intermediate coders, offering support and guidance in areas like web development, data science, and machine learning.

How is Blueprint Structured?

Blueprint 2024 is organized into three main components:

1. BP Week: Running from February 26 to March 1, BP Week serves as a prelude to the main event. This phase includes tech talks, mini-events, and team formation sessions, allowing participants to form connections and prepare for the upcoming activities.

2. Learnathon: Taking place on March 2, the Learnathon marks the first day of the main Blueprint event. This phase is dedicated to skill-building through workshops led by mentors and professionals. Topics range from programming basics to web and game development, providing participants with foundational and advanced skills needed for the Hackathon.

3. Hackathon: On March 3, students put their newly acquired skills to work. Teams use the knowledge gained during the Learnathon to create a project from scratch, working directly with MIT mentors. The event culminates in a project demo before a panel of experts.

Tracks and Subjects Covered

Participants can choose from four specialized tracks:

• Start Hacking: Designed for beginners, this track introduces students to coding through Python, with resources provided to help complete projects. It's ideal for newcomers interested in basic website and mobile app development.

• Web Dev: Offers both beginner and advanced levels, covering the essentials of web development and creating complex, interactive applications. This track focuses on web design and development.

• Game Dev: Tailored for creative coders, this track guides students through the full game development process, from ideation to a playable product. Using open-source tools, participants bring an original game idea to life.

• Hardware: This track combines electrical engineering and computer science, introducing students to hardware programming and circuitry with Arduino. Students learn the basics of C and build simple electrical circuits, exploring the intersection of hardware and coding.

Application Process and Eligibility

• Application Requirements: Students must complete an application form detailing their interests, background, and coding experience. No prior experience is required.

• Eligibility: Open to high school students of all skill levels, Blueprint encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds.

• Selection Process: While Blueprint aims to accept as many students as possible, high demand may result in limited spots, so early application is advisable.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Blueprint is typically held in early spring. Here’s a timeline of key dates:

• Application Opens: January 2024

• Application Deadline: February 5, 2024

• Event Dates: 

• BP week: February 26, 2024 - March 1, 2024

• Learnathon: March 2, 2024 

• Hackathon: March 3, 2024

• Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, MA

Costs and Scholarships

Blueprint is free to attend, making it accessible to students from various backgrounds. While travel expenses are not covered, there may be travel assistance or accommodations available for eligible students from underrepresented backgrounds. 

Pros and Cons of HackMIT’s Blueprint

Pros:

1. Beginner-Friendly, Non-Competitive Environment: Blueprint’s collaborative setup allows students of all levels to experiment and learn without the pressure of competition.

2. Broad STEM Exposure: The hackathon covers various subjects within tech, from software development to hardware projects, making it a solid choice for students looking to explore different areas of technology.

3. Networking and Mentorship Opportunities: Participants work alongside mentors from MIT and industry, gaining valuable guidance and forming connections that could benefit them in their academic and career paths.

4. Cost-Free Participation: The program’s free attendance policy makes it accessible to a wide range of students, regardless of financial background.

Cons:

1. Limited Spots Due to High Demand: While Blueprint aims to accept many students, spots are limited, so not all applicants may get the chance to participate.

2. Short Duration: The weekend-only format means students have limited time to work on their projects, which can restrict the depth of exploration into more complex topics.

3. No Prizes or Competitive Recognition: Blueprint doesn’t offer formal awards or recognitions, which might be a downside for students looking to add competitive achievements to their resumes.

4. Basic to Intermediate Level Focus: While Blueprint is excellent for beginners, students with more advanced skills might find the workshops and projects less challenging than other specialized programs.

Is HackMIT’s Blueprint Worth It?

HackMIT’s Blueprint event carries significant prestige due to its association with MIT, a global leader in technology and innovation. This connection alone makes Blueprint a highly sought-after experience, attracting talented high school students from around the world. The program’s structure provides an opportunity to engage directly with like-minded peers and industry professionals, which can deepen your understanding and expand your network in ways few other opportunities offer.

Blueprint is also backed by prominent sponsors, including the CIA, Google, MIT’s Energy Initiative, Backflip AI, Rockstar Games, and NordVPN. This sponsorship lineup adds value to the experience by connecting students with leading organizations in technology, cybersecurity, entertainment, and beyond. 

Image Source - HackMIT’s Blueprint Logo