FAQ
Good questions
Everything parents, teachers, and hackers usually ask. Something missing? Ask us directly.
Who can participate?
Any high school student in grades 9–12, from any school — public, private, or homeschool. You don't need to attend Greenhill to hack at HornetHacks.
How much does it cost?
Nothing. HornetHacks is completely free thanks to our sponsors — that includes meals, snacks, swag, and prizes.
Do I need coding experience?
Nope. A big part of HornetHacks is built for first-timers: beginner workshops, roaming mentors, and prize categories just for first hacks. Curiosity is the only prerequisite.
How do teams work?
Teams are 2–4 students. Bring a ready-made team, or join the team-formation mixer right after opening ceremony — plenty of great teams meet that morning.
What should I bring?
A laptop and charger are the essentials. Headphones, a water bottle, and a student ID are smart additions. Building hardware? Bring your kit — we'll have some components and tools on hand too.
Will there be food?
Yes — breakfast, lunch, and all-day snacks are provided. You'll be able to note dietary restrictions when you register.
Is it an overnight event?
No. HornetHacks is a one-day, 12-hour event: doors open at 8:00 AM and awards wrap by 8:00 PM the same Saturday. No sleeping bags required.
What can I build?
Anything you can make in a day: websites, mobile apps, games, hardware hacks, data projects, AI experiments. Projects must be started (from scratch) at the event.
Do parents or guardians need to sign anything?
Yes — a permission and photo-release form comes with registration. Parents and guardians are also welcome at the evening project expo and awards.
How do I register?
Registration is open. Register for HornetHacks through the official MLH event page.