Software developers are invited to submit a new or existing gap app that helps fill the gap in middle school math students' skills, interests and motivation. Apps can address the gap by improving middle school math outcomes or by enhancing educator collaboration, classroom communication and management, or engagement.  Before getting started, learn more about the gap and needs and opportunities for middle school solutions.

To get started, check out the requirements (for more information see the Official Rules):

Winners of the challenge will receive $50,000 in cash prizes, as well as $54,000 in Amazon AWS Credits. After the challenge, eligible submissions may be considered for a pilot program in iZone schools supported by Amazon Web Services consulting services. The iZone schools are a collection of 250 innovative New York City public schools committed to personalizing learning for every student.

This challenge is brought to you by Innovate NYC Schools, an NYCDOE iZone project dedicated to creating models for more quickly identifying, piloting, and evaluating promising edtech solutions to problems identified by educators themselves. By actively stimulating and supporting the edtech ecosystem, Innovate NYC Schools will create new value for all participants, from developers and investors to teachers, students, and parents. To learn more about Innovate NYC Schools and its supports click here.

Eligibility

  • Participants: Individuals (at least 13 years in age); Teams; Organizations (up to 100 employees)
  • Countries: United States

Complete Eligibility Requirements   

Requirements

  • Existing or new gap apps that address the gap in middle school math students’ skills, interests, and motivation
  • Categories include Math Instructional and Administration/Engagement apps [Details]
  • What to create: functioning software application; demonstration video; screenshots
  • Platforms: iOS for iPad; Mobile Web; Web; Mac Desktop; Windows Desktop

Complete Submission Requirements

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$104,000 in prizes

Best Instructional App

$15,000 cash and $6,000 in Amazon Web Service Credits

Best Administration/Engagement App

$15,000 cash and $6,000 in Amazon Web Service Credits

Best Instructional App – Second Place

$5,000 cash and $6,000 in Amazon Web Service Credits

Best Administration/Engagement App – Second Place

$5,000 cash and $6,000 in Amazon Web Service Credits

Honorable Mentions (5)

$2000 cash and $6,000 in Amazon Web Service Credits

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

How to enter

  1. Create an account or log in with an existing ChallengePost account.
  2. On NYCSchools.ChallengePost.com, click on the Register button to confirm your interest in participating. This step ensures that you will receive important challenge updates.
  3. Create a working software application that falls into one of these two categories: a) Math Instructional, or b) Administration/Engagement. See category definitions here.
  4. Provide a link to a website where your application can be accessed or downloaded free of charge by NYC Department of Education, ChallengePost, and the judges OR provide a free login.
  5. For iPad or desktop apps upload installation files.
  6. Confirm that you have read and agree to the Official Rules, and submit your app by including:
    1. a title, one or more images of the app;
    2. a video (5 minutes or less) demonstrating the working app on an iPad, web browser, Mac or PC computer, or an emulator;
    3. a text description of the app’s functionality;
    4. a text description of testing instructions for the app (including operating system, device, or testing environment requirements, etc.)
    5. URL link to your app and/or file upload, and all other required submission form fields.

Judges

NYC Educators and Area Experts

NYC Educators and Area Experts
Leaders from NYC Department of Education's Innovation Team and Educators from NYC Public Schools

Kara Swisher

Kara Swisher
Co-Executive Editor, All Things Digital

Matt Greenfield

Matt Greenfield
Managing Partner, RethinkEducation

Alexis Ohanian

Alexis Ohanian
Co-Founder, Reddit and hipmunk

Tom Vander Ark

Tom Vander Ark
Executive Editor, GettingSmart.com

Dan Maccarone

Dan Maccarone
Co-Founder & CEO, Charming Robot

Judging Criteria

  • Quality of the Idea
    Includes creativity and originality.
  • Quality of User Experience
    Includes design, graphics, typography, and visual aesthetic.
  • Potential Impact
    Includes the potential impact on student engagement, performance, and assessment.
  • Feasibility of Use
    Includes teacher assessment of the feasibility and appeal of using or piloting the app.
  • Instructional Apps Only: Alignment with Common Core Standards
    Includes how well the app integrates the Common Core Standards.

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