Fourth Annual H2O Hackathon Challenges Students to Use Technology to Protect Californians from Floods

March 15, 2019
019-037: UPDATED H2O Hackathon Advance
Contacts: Zack Johnson, (209) 468-4937; Stephen Callahan, (209) 468-9247; Bret States, (209) 468-4961


More students than ever will compete for prize-money totaling $11,000 to develop apps promoting dam safety.


San Joaquin County students are back to focus their computer-coding and problem-solving skills on California water issues at the Fourth Annual H2O Hackathon at the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) on Saturday, March 16.


This year’s challenge, “What’s the Dam Problem,” focuses on the system of dams providing California with both water storage and protection from flooding by holding back millions of acre-feet of water. Strong, well- maintained dams keep downstream communities safe; technology can make them even safer.


Students will be given a yet-to-be-revealed task to develop an app that will help keep residents safe from the dangers of flooding. Experts will be on hand to monitor and guide the students in the use of the Google platform. Nationally respected water experts will address the feasibility of ideas, and a panel of judges will select the winners.


For the first time, the Hackathon will have a college division and a high school division. The two first-place winning teams in each division will receive $4,000; second-place teams will receive $1,000; and third-place winners will receive $500. All participating students will receive a swag bag valued at more than $50.


The Hackathon was organized in partnership with iHub San Joaquin, the SJCOE, and San Joaquin Delta College. The goal is to challenge students to develop solutions for California’s water issues and experience the real- world applications of science, engineering, and other skills they are learning in school.


Major sponsors of the H2O Hackathon include Restore the Delta, California Water Service, San Joaquin County WorkNet, Collins Electric, Port of Stockton, San Joaquin Partnership, Central Delta Water Agency, and A.G. Spanos Companies. More information about the H2O Hackathon and the partnership of local business, government, and other organizations sponsoring the event can be found at www.h2ohackathon.org/. Follow along on social media with #H2OHackathonSJC.

The public is invited to watch teams present their projects at 3:30 p.m. Media wishing to cover the event may contact the SJCOE Public Information Office.


When:

Saturday, March 16
8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: Teams develop contest entries.
3:30-5:30 p.m.: Students present entries to the judges. Winners announced.



Where:
San Joaquin County Office of Education Wentworth Education Center
2707 Transworld Drive
Stockton, CA 95206


About the San Joaquin County Office of Education:


San Joaquin County Office of Education provides educational leadership, resources, and services to support schools throughout the county. With its highly regarded programs, innovative staff, and community partnerships, SJCOE ensures that every student in San Joaquin County has the opportunity of a quality education. For more information, visit www.sjcoe.org.


About iHub San Joaquin:


The California Innovation Hub program was codified into law in 2013. It is comprised of 16 regional iHubs, including iHub San Joaquin. The mission of iHub San Joaquin is to help people grow ideas. It works to develop new partnerships, stimulate economic development, create new jobs, and nurture entrepreneurship and enterprises dedicated to innovative and emerging technologies. The iHub San Joaquin is dedicated to re- invigorating the region’s economy as a center for sustainable technologies in three areas: healthcare, agribusiness, and sustainable construction technology. www.ihubsj.org.


About San Joaquin Delta College:


Delta College is a top destination for students in the San Joaquin Valley and Mother Lode wishing to learn a new trade, upgrade their skills, or earn transfer units to four-year colleges and universities. Established in 1963, the College serves over 20,000 students at its campuses in Stockton and Mountain House, as well as online and at satellite facilities across the region. For more information, visit www.deltacollege.edu.

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