FAQ
General
What are the dates for the challenge?
This year’s Challenge begins on November 18, 2024. All submissions must be received by April 4, 2025.
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 4, 2025.
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, a video trailer and logo. 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.
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How do we submit as a team?
Only ONE of the coders will sign up and create the submission on ltgovcc.skills21.org. As a team you will complete all parts of the submission. Under the About Page you will add all of the coders names, bios, etc. In the Final Submission Form you will add all of the coders name, demographic information, etc.​​​​​​​​​​ Do NOT have each coder create a submission, judges will only be reviewing one submission per team. ​
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 and to create a visual of what that idea would look like. 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!
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Prizes
Who judges the submissions?
The challenge submissions are judged by educators and industry professionals who have experience in the computing field.
What do I get if I win?
All completed submissions get reviewed, and some projects are selected for their quality, creativity, and impact, to be highlighted at a recognition event that is held in early June. Once the submission is complete, all participants have the opportunity to print a certificate signed by the Lt Governor.
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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, there are several resources located on 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.
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Challenge Champions
What qualifies someone as a Challenge Champion?
Challenge Champions are educators who commit to having at least 25 students complete a project submission and are encouraged to spread the word and invite participation among their colleagues.
Can any educator become a Challenge Champion?
At this time, we are prioritizing Challenge Champion registration from schools in Alliance Districts only. If all of the 22 entry spots are not filled by January 18, we will re-open registration for additional non-alliance schools/districts to apply.
What do I get for being a Challenge Champion?
Upon registering to be a Challenge Champion, you will be provided with a $50 Amazon e-gift card for your commitment. Once the Challenge is complete and you have fulfilled the submission requirements, you will receive an additional $150 Amazon e-gift card (a total award of $200) and recognition at the culmination event in May. This year, we are also introducing the Infosys Foundation USA Star Champion; the Challenge Champion who supports the greatest number of student entries will receive a check for $500 (a grand prize totaling $700!)
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?
There are 22 available openings for Challenge Champions this year, and teachers will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Once all registration spots have been filled, the Challenge Champion program will close. If you wish to serve as a Challenge Champion for this year's challenge, be sure to visit the website to register, beginning November 18.
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 requirement for student submissions, you will not qualify to claim the additional $150 award and will not receive recognition at the culmination event. However, we understand that things happen, and your initial award for good faith participation will remain yours to keep. There may additionally be opportunities outside of the Challenge Champions program and recognition event for your efforts to be credited.