We invite all high school students in Montenegro to apply for participation in the hackathon “Equal Hack: Code for Equality,” organized by Science and Technology Park of Montenegro and Savjet Evrope. The hackathon is part of the joint project of the European Union and Council of Europe called “Quality education for all” in Montenegro.

The goal of the hackathon is to encourage creativity and engage students from Montenegro in developing innovative digital and other solutions that will promote positive behavior, safer online and physical environments with more respect, where everyone can freely express themselves without fear of discrimination or harassment. Significant barriers still exist, preventing the full participation of marginalized groups of students in Montenegro’s education system.

Your project should offer innovative solutions that support inclusion in education, especially for marginalized groups. Below are guidelines for successfully submitting your ideas and projects:

Who can apply?

All high school students from Montenegro.

Why participate?

• You will solve interesting problems and have the chance to win great prizes
• You will learn new skills and gain experience by working with mentors and experts
• You will have the opportunity to meet peers with similar interests and connect with experts from various fields.
• Showcase your ideas and open new opportunities for further development and education

Rules and conditions:

• Registration is free, and the detailed application process, terms and conditions, as well as privacy notice, can be found in Terms and Conditions document.
• Teamwork is required, with teams consisting of 3 to 5 members (one member can be your teacher).
• The solutions you create during the hackathon must be original.

Below are the key details for applying to the hackathon, but for a detailed preparation of your solution, please refer to the document:Terms and Conditions.

Tentative themes of the hackathon.

The tentative themes of the hackathon may include the following:

• Inclusion in schools: What initiatives can support the inclusion and full participation of marginalized groups in school life?
• Voice of marginalized students: What platforms or programs can ensure a voice for marginalized students and allow them to share their experiences and perspectives?
• Collaborative learning: How can technology be used to encourage joint learning among students with and without developmental disabilities?
• Safety in online communities: How can discriminatory behaviors in online communities be monitored and reported? How can support networks and safe online spaces be developed for students to discuss their experiences and seek help if they encounter discrimination?
• Educational tools: What interactive and engaging tools can help students learn about diversity, inclusion, and the importance of mutual respect?
• Parent education: How can we educate parents and community members about the impact of discrimination and the importance of fostering inclusive environments?

Additional requirements.

• Language: Applications can be submitted in Montenegrin.        
• Team size: Teams can consist of 3 to 5 members (one member can be your teacher).        
• Support: During the hackathon, the organizers will provide mentors to assist with technical and conceptual challenges.

Hackathon outcomes:

The outcomes of the hackathon may include mobile applications, games, visualizations, quizzes, assistive devices, new or improved documentation, action plans, promotional campaign designs, social experimentation, online tools, and other innovative solutions. The key criteria for selection are the sustainability of the hackathon outcomes, which will be ensured in collaboration with the Ministry of education, science, and innovation, and the Institute for education.

Application format:

Documentation: Applications should be submitted in PDF or PPT format.        

The document should include:

• Project title
• A brief description of the solution (maximum 500 words)
• Technical specifications (if applicable)
• Implementation steps
• Team members (names and roles)

Video pitch (optional): You have the option to submit a short video pitch up to 3 minutes long. The video can briefly explain your idea, its significance, and how it addresses the given problem. If you choose to create a video, you can upload it to a platform like YouTube and submit the link along with your application.

Deadline and application method:        

Applications for the hackathon are open from October 28, 2024, to November 28, 2024. Form a team of 3 to 5 members and register via this online form. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm on November 28, 2024. Late applications will not be accepted, except in exceptional circumstances.

Organizers:

This event is organized by the Program office of the Council of Europe in Podgorica, with the support of the Science and technology Ppark of Montenegro. The hackathon is carried out within the “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey” program, which runs until December 31, 2026. .