Dates
Firebird Hacks takes place on Saturday, March 20, 2027 at Arcadia High School, 8210 Lankford Hwy, Oak Hall, VA 23416. The submission period opens at 10:15 AM and closes at 6:00 PM Eastern Time, and teams are encouraged to submit by 5:30 PM.
Eligibility
Firebird Hacks is open to middle and high school students. Teams can have one to four members, and one member submits the project on Devpost for the whole team.
Project and Submission Requirements
- All projects must be started at the event. Pre-made projects are not allowed.
- Projects must be written in text-based code.
- AI tools may be used for learning and help, but code must not be copied and pasted from AI.
- Every team must submit its team form by 5:10 PM to be judged.
- Projects must be submitted on Devpost by 6:00 PM.
Prizes
The top three teams in each track win, and every member of a winning team receives a prize valued at $50 for first place, $35 for second place and $25 for third place.
Judging Criteria and Winner Selection
During the project expo from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, each team gives a five-minute demo to a pair of judges, who score the project on creativity, technical understanding, fit with the track, design and presentation. Winners in each track are announced at the closing ceremony at 7:45 PM.
Code of Conduct
Firebird Hacks follows the Hack Club Code of Conduct, which every participant, mentor, judge, volunteer, sponsor and organizer must follow. Everyone is expected to be kind and respectful, and harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. If you see or experience anything that makes you feel unsafe, please tell an organizer or volunteer right away, and anyone who breaks the code of conduct may be asked to leave the event.