# Major League Hacking Hackathons The **Major League Hacking (MLH) Hackathons** are exciting weekend-long coding competitions designed for high school students passionate about STEM. Through these events, participants collaborate, innovate, and create technology-based projects, all while building their technical and teamwork skills. Hosted by MLH, a renowned organization in the tech education space, these hackathons provide an incredible opportunity to code, network with peers and industry professionals, and compete for prizes. Whether you're an experienced coder or just starting out, this program is the perfect way to challenge yourself and explore the world of technology. ## Program Structure MLH Hackathons follow a **hybrid format**, meaning students can choose to participate either in person at select locations across the USA or virtually from the comfort of their homes. Each hackathon runs over a weekend, typically starting on Friday evening and ending on Sunday afternoon. Participants will work in small teams or individually to brainstorm, design, and build a tech-based project within the given timeframe. Throughout the event, there are opportunities to attend workshops, hear from guest speakers, and receive mentorship from experienced developers. The weekend concludes with project presentations, where participants showcase their work to judges and compete for various awards and prizes. ## What Students Experience Students participating in MLH Hackathons will gain hands-on experience in coding, project development, and collaboration. Whether you're building a mobile app, creating a website, or exploring new technologies like machine learning or blockchain, you'll have the chance to turn your ideas into reality. Workshops and tutorials hosted by MLH provide guidance on popular programming tools, frameworks, and platforms, while mentors are available throughout the event to offer advice and feedback. Beyond the technical skills, students will also develop critical soft skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and time management. Additionally, these hackathons are a fantastic way to connect with like-minded peers and network with professionals in the tech industry. ## Why It Matters for College Applications Participating in an MLH Hackathon demonstrates initiative, creativity, and a commitment to developing STEM skills, all of which are highly valued by college admissions officers. The experience highlights your ability to work collaboratively, solve problems under pressure, and innovate—key skills that are essential in both academic and professional settings. Winning a prize or earning recognition for your project is an added bonus that can further bolster your application. Even if you don’t win, the experience itself is a valuable addition to your extracurricular portfolio. ## Eligibility The MLH Hackathons are open to high school students in grades 9-12 across the United States. Participants should have an interest in coding or technology, but prior experience is not required. This program welcomes students of all skill levels, making it accessible to beginners and advanced coders alike. ## How to Participate To join an MLH Hackathon, you will need to register through their official website. The program requires a **$50 participation fee**, which covers event access and resources provided during the hackathon weekend. Deadlines and specific event dates vary, so students are encouraged to check the MLH website for details on upcoming hackathons and registration timelines. Learn more and sign up at [MLH's official website](https://mlh.io/). Don't miss this chance to build your skills, create something amazing, and connect with the tech community!