FAQ
General
What are the dates for the challenge?
This year’s Challenge begins on October 20, 2023. All submissions must be received by April 26, 2024.
What does "Coding for Good" mean?
“Coding for Good” means to create a solution to inspire health, wellness, and positive change for yourself, your friends, the community, or even the environment. It is about spreading hope, tackling pressing challenges and building connections. For more information, check out this video!
What is the deadline for submission?
All submissions must be received by Friday, April 26, 2024.
Does it cost anything to participate in the challenge?
No, there is no fee to participate.
What are the differences between the 3 challenges?
There is a challenge for everyone. The concept challenge does not require any coding experience, the prototype requires that you program or code one idea of your submission and the development challenge requires you program or code your entire idea. All three challenges have questions that require written responses. For more on deciding which challenge is best for you, check out this page and video.
Participation
Do I have to submit individually, or can I submit as a team?
The choice is yours! You have the option to work as an individually or with a team. The team can only be a total of 5 students and each student on the team must be in the same grade band, 3-5, 6-8, or 9-12.
I don't know how to code, can I still participate?
Yes. There is a challenge for everyone. If you don’t know how to code you can still participate in the Concept Challenge. All you need is an idea for that challenge. You can also begin to learn to code and think about entering the Prototype Challenge which requires a bit of coding.
I have an idea, but don’t know how to code. What should I do?
With an idea you can participate in the Concept Challenge. You might also want to consider forming a team with up to four others who may know how to code to participate in the Prototype or Development Challenge instead.
What is a storyboard? a flowchart? a wireframe?
A storyboard, flowchart or wireframe illustrates what you plan to make and how it works. It can be thought of as a complete walk through of your solution. Learn more here!
I have an idea, but don’t know how to code. What should I do?
With an idea you can participate in the Concept Challenge. You might also want to consider forming a team with up to four others who may know how to code to participate in the Prototype or Development Challenge instead.
Prizes
Who judges the submissions?
The Prototype and Development submissions are judged by educators and industry professionals who have experience in the computing field. The Concept Challenge is reviewed by our partner, the Werth Institute.
What do I get if I win?
All completed submissions get reviewed, and all participants receive a certificate from the Lt. Governor. In addition, some projects are selected for their quality, creativity, and impact, to be highlighted at a recognition event that is held in early June.
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Are there prizes to win by participating?
All participants who have a completed submission are eligible to contend for a variety of STEM-related incentives and prizes. The committee is actively working to secure this year’s incentives and prizes, but you can view the Incentives page to see what some past awards have been.
Educators
Why should I encourage my students/child to participate in this Challenge when there are so many others?
This Challenge provides an opportunity for all students to participate regardless of their experience level. In addition, this Challenge has been aligned to many of the state standards. For more information on this alignment check out the Resources page.
Do I have to know how to code in order to help my students/child to participate?
No you don’t. That is what makes this Challenge so easy to participate in. There is no coding required for the Concept Challenge, but if you are interested in learning more yourself, we have partnered with CodeJoy who offers student sessions link to that page, school meetings, and videos with accompanying lesson plans to support teachers who hope to do more. Be sure to check out the Educators page.
How do I link my students to me and our school using Launchpad?
This is an easy process and we have created a video link to the video to help walk you through it.
Is there a competition scoring rubric that I can review with my students?
Yes! The rubrics that are provided to the judges are publicly available. Use these links to access the Concept Challenge, Prototype Challenge and Development Challenge rubrics.
Who judges the submissions?
The Prototype and Development submissions are judged by educators and industry professionals who have experience in the computing field. The Concept Challenge is reviewed by our partner, the Werth Institute.
Challenge Champions
What do the Challenge Champions do?
Challenge Champions commit to having at least 30 students complete a submission and spread the word with their colleagues to encourage participation.
Can any educator become a Challenge Champion?
No. Challenge Champions must be from an Alliance District.
What do I get for being a Challenge Champion?
Registering to be a Challenge Champion will provide you with a $100 Amazon e-gift card. Once the Challenge ends and you fulfill the requirements, you will get an additional $150 Amazon e-gift card and be recognized at the culmination event in June.
How do I sign-up to be a Challenge Champion?
All you need to do is complete this form!
If I am from an Alliance District and register, am I guaranteed to be a Challenge Champion? Unfortunately, no. Only 10 teachers will be accepted this year to serve as a Challenge Champion, so register soon. We hope to be able to expand this program in the future.
What if I am selected to be a Challenge Champion but don’t get the needed submissions?
If you become a Challenge Champion but are unable to fulfill the expectations, you will not be able to claim the additional $150 Amazon e-gift card and will miss out on the recognition event. However, we realize things happen so you will be able to keep the original $100 Amazon e-gift card and hopefully you will be credited with some submissions.