HackSLC – First Student-Led Hackathon

Submitted by Aayush Sapkota, Student, Computer Programming & Analysis program 

St. Lawrence College recently hosted HackSLC, its first-ever student-led hackathon, marking an exciting milestone for innovation and collaboration on campus. Organized entirely by students, HackSLC was designed to be more than a competition — it was a creative space for students across programs to innovate, design, build, and present real-world solutions beyond the classroom. 

The event focused on four key goals: 

• Encouraging cross-program collaboration 
• Strengthening communication and presentation skills 
• Providing hands-on project experience for student portfolios 
• Building a supportive community around innovation and problem-solving 
  
HackSLC drew strong interest from the student community, with 25+ participants representing programs such as Computer Programming & Analysis, Business, Marketing, and Graphic Design. Over six hours, teams worked intensively to develop creative prototypes and problem-solving solutions. The day concluded with six impressive project presentations, showcasing innovation, teamwork, and technical and creative skill. 

This inaugural event was made possible thanks to sponsorship from the Student Association, which provided resources including food, equipment, and a $400+ prize pool. Special thanks also go to faculty members Michael Carter, Mark Couls, and alumnus Raj Vyas, who supported the event as judges and mentors. 

HackSLC was a resounding success, and we look forward to seeing this student-led initiative grow in the years ahead!