College Sustainability Hackathon for Women
A Two-Day Innovation Experience for College Women
Turn Your Ideas Into Impact
The Nerdy Girl Success College Hackathon is a two-day immersive experience for college women who are ready to tackle real-world sustainability challenges, build leadership skills, and collaborate with peers who care about making a difference.
Co-hosted with SLB, this hackathon invites participants to work on challenges connected to climate action, nature, and community impact and to see how their ideas can connect to real industries and careers.
This is not a lecture or a competition you watch from the sidelines. It’s a hands-on experience designed for students who want to grow, lead, and create.
Apply to be considered for the July College Hackathon
Who This Hackathon Is For
For College Women
This experience is designed for college women who:
- Have completed the June High School Hackathon as a volunteer
- Are curious about sustainability, innovation, or impact-driven careers
- Want to strengthen leadership, collaboration, and communication skills
- Are ready to push themselves in a supportive environment
You don’t need to be an expert in sustainability, engineering, or climate science. You do need to be willing to participate fully, think critically, and work as part of a team.
For Parents, Faculty & Partners
The College Hackathon offers students:
- Real-world problem-solving experience
- Exposure to sustainability and STEM-adjacent careers
- Professional mentorship and structured skill development
- A safe, supervised, high-engagement learning environment
What Participants Will Work On
Participants will select a challenge track and work in teams to develop solutions aligned with real sustainability priorities:
Climate Tech & Emissions Reduction
Biodiversity & Nature-Based Solutions
Community Resilience & Equity
Teams will brainstorm, prototype, refine ideas, and present their solutions in a structured pitch at the end of the event.
Why This Experience Matters
Women, especially women from underrepresented communities, are still underrepresented in sustainability, energy, and innovation roles.
This hackathon is designed to:
– Build confidence working on complex challenges
– Create pathways into sustainability-focused careers
– Strengthen leadership skills employers value
– Help participants see themselves as decision-makers and changemakers
Participants leave with skills, connections, and a clearer sense of how their talents can contribute to meaningful change.
Event Format & Details
Dates: July 1st & 2nd (8:30am – 4:30pm both days)
Location: University of Houston Main Campus
Cost: Free to participate
Eligibility: College women who volunteered at the June High School Hackathon
Application Required: Space is limited
What You’ll Gain
By participating, you’ll:
- Work on real sustainability challenges
- Build a portfolio-worthy project
- Practice leadership, teamwork, and public speaking
- Connect with peers, mentors, and professionals
- Gain insight into sustainability and impact-driven careers
This experience is about growth, not perfection.
Ready to Apply?
Participation in the College Hackathon is by application only. Selection is based on engagement, readiness, and alignment with program values.