YLab partnered with Wyndham Tech School and the Australian Computer Society to co-design and facilitate the Data For Good Hackathon. A student hackathon developed to promote better integration and enhance student skills and interest in STEM.

THE CHALLENGE

In 2021, following prolonged COVID-19 lockdowns in Melbourne, young people were struggling with social isolation and disrupted learning.

In an Australian-first collaboration, Wyndham Tech School and the Australian Computer Society partnered with YLab to address these challenges by enhancing their learning experience and encouraging social cohesion.

WHAT WE DID

YLab designed, developed and facilitated co-design sprints packaged up as the Data For Good Hackathon. These sprints aimed to reinvigorate the classroom atmosphere and reengage students in learning. Students participated in a multitude of bespoke programming and hands-on experiences to create a digital solution improving community connection and social cohesion.

Students created app prototypes responding to the question: ‘how might we create a full-purpose digital solution that enhances community connection and social cohesion?’

THE IMPACT

The Hackathon provided students with tangible skills in co-design, user experience and problem solving that they could apply in other settings.

In a survey conducted post-Hackathon, 100% of the respondents felt more confident using co-design elements to create digital solutions and expressed interest in being involved with a similar activity in future. In addition to this, 90% of respondents stated that they would consider a career in STEM.

The program's success has led to its integration into Wyndham Tech School's suite of programs and has shown the potential to grow and be scaled for other schools.