MindBlast XR

Redefining Reality, Today's Youth, Tomorrow's Future
A Hackathon for Rhode Island Middle School Students

APRIL 15-19, 2024

2024 TOPIC:
SOCIAL JUSTICE

Middle school students can use XR technology to bring awareness to social justice issues at a hackathon.

By participating, they can develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while creating solutions to real-world problems. Engaging with social justice through XR technology is a powerful way to foster a more equitable and inclusive society.

WhO?

MindBlast XR 2024 Hackathon welcomes all Middle School students across Rhode Island! All working together to identify solutions to social justice issues. No coding nor prior Hackathon experience required.

WhERE?

APRIL 15-19: Each team will have a designated location to meet. Meet at your local library, community center, or school.

CIC Providence
225 Dyer Street
Providence, RI 02903

READY... SET... ADVOCATE!

Hey Kiddos! At MindBlast XR, different teams will have just 3 minutes to advocate their ideas to help fix problems related to social justice. They have to tell the judges all about their ideas, so the judges can see how good they are.

Here's what your team needs to cover:

1. What issue is your team addressing.
2. How does your team plan to fix it using XR technology.
3. How will your team's solution make a difference and create a better society.

WINNERS CIRCLE CATAGORIES

At the MindBlast XR 2024 Hackathon, all teams will be considered winners and will be categorized based on their performance. However, only the top three projects will receive awards. Our goal is to make sure that every student who participates feels that their ideas have been heard and valued. It is essential for students to comprehend the significance of their role in building a more equitable and just society, and how their efforts can have a meaningful impact and serve as inspiration for others.

2024 Middle School Teams

San Miguel School
Community Preparatory School
Nathan Bishop Middle School
The Gordon School
Dr Earl F Calcutt Middle School
Joseph Jenks Middle School
The Hope Academy
Nuestro Mundo Public Charter School
Sophia Academy
Times2 STEM Academy
Hugh B Bain Middle School

2023 HACKATHON

EVENT HOSTS

Adriana Dawson
Verizon
SAIGE DENNIS
STUDENT

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Monsurat Ottun
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Toye Onikoyi
Muse Mirror & Bubbler VR
Dr. Taino Palermo
Center For Indigenous Peoples Rights

JUDGES

Angela Bannerman Ankoma
Equity Leadership Initiative at Rhode Island Foundation
Oscar Mejías
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Kobi J Dennis
YMCA Greater Providence
Gregg Perry
The Perry Group, LLC
Tom Finn
Avid Products
Helena L. Moronta
Baycoast Bank
Dr. Dennis Rebelo
Berkshire Innovation Center
Brian Morley
Avid Products
Harvey E. Lee, Jr
COX Communications

Community Leaders

Juan K. Wilson Jr
The Muse Foundation
Wendy Wallace
Brown University
Omar Reyes
RI Office Of The Post Secondary Commisioner
Jennifer Gaviria
Thundermist Health Center
Pilar Mccloud
A Sweet Creation Youth Organization
Gloria L. Johnson
RI Housing
Carlon Howard
Equity Institute
Sterling Clinton-Spellman
The Incred-A-Bowl™ Food Company
Ineida Lopes De Carvalho
RI Dept of Health
The Economic Progress Institute
Robert Britto Oliveria
University of Rhode Island
Niyanta Nepal
ARISE
Kilah Walters Clinton
Rhode IslandExecutive Office of Health and Human Services
Jessica
CEO

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Jared
Marketing

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Lara
Management

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Tony
Marketing

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Chris
CFO

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John
Sales

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SPONSORS

Councilman Miguel Sanchez

Rep. Karen Alzate