Students coding during Hack the Valley

Date TBD • Bakersfield, California

Build. Create. Innovate.

Join 50 students for 1 day (8 hours) of hacking, mentorship, and breakthrough projects in Bakersfield's intimate, community-focused hackathon.

50
Students
$500
Grand Prize

Event Overview

Hack the Valley 2026 is a free, high-energy innovation day where students team up to solve real problems with mentorship from industry leaders.

Students collaborating at Hack the Valley

What to Expect

  • • 8-hour access to mentors, workshops, and office hours
  • • Free meals, snacks, swag, and collaborative hacking spaces
  • • Networking with local tech professionals and mentors
  • • Project expo, judging, and awards before close
Date
TBD
Location
Bakersfield, CA
Format
1-Day Sprint (9 AM - 5 PM)
Admission
100% Free

Why Attend

Built for beginners and experienced hackers alike.

Build Real Projects

Ship something meaningful in a focused one-day sprint.

Learn From Experts

Join technical workshops and mentor sessions throughout the event.

Build Your Network

Connect with local tech professionals, mentors, and fellow hackers.

Compete for the Grand Prize

Present your best project for a $500 overall winner award.

Food and Swag Included

Meals, snacks, and event merch are included for all participants.

Boost Your Resume

Showcase your work and stand out in internship and job applications.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Partner with Hack the Valley to support the next generation of innovators and connect with 200+ talented developers in the Central Valley.

Sponsors engaging with students at Hack the Valley booth
🥉
Bronze
Foundation Partner
$500
📊 8 spots available
  • 🖼️ Small logo on website (200px)
  • 📱 Social media recognition
  • 📋 Event day signage
  • 🎁 Swag table presence
  • 📄 Resume access post-event
🥈
Silver
Growth Partner
$1,000
📊 5 spots available
  • All Bronze benefits
  • 🖼️ Medium logo placement (300px)
  • 💼 Recruiting table access
  • 🎓 Workshop or lightning talk slot
  • 📱 Dedicated social media post
  • ⚖️ Judge participation
🥇
Gold
Premier Partner
$2,000
⚡ Only 3 spots
  • All Silver benefits
  • 🖼️ Large logo placement (400px)
  • 🎓 Workshop hosting opportunity
  • 📄 Early resume access
  • 🍕 Branded meal or snack
  • 🎁 Branded swag distribution
👑
Title Sponsor
Exclusive Partnership
$3,000
💎 Exclusive • 1 spot only
  • All Gold benefits
  • 💎 Exclusive title sponsor recognition
  • 🖼️ Premium logo placement (500px)
  • 🎤 Opening ceremony feature
  • 🏆 Custom sponsored track with category exclusivity
  • ⚖️ VIP judge panel seat
  • 🎬 Post-event highlights reel

Interested in Sponsoring?

Help us create an unforgettable experience for student innovators while connecting with top talent from universities across the Central Valley.

Call (661) 304-4733

Challenge Tracks

Build in any track and pitch your best project for the grand prize.

🏆 GRAND PRIZE

$500

Overall Winner

Best overall project wins the top honor based on impact, execution, and innovation.

AI and machine learning track

AI and Machine Learning

Create intelligent products using models, data pipelines, and automation.

Open to all teams

Social impact track

Social Impact

Develop solutions that support communities and improve quality of life.

Open to all teams

Education track

Education

Build tools that enhance learning, accessibility, and educational outcomes.

Open to all teams

Schedule

Date TBD • 1-day schedule (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Event Day Schedule

9:00 AMCheck-in and opening ceremony
9:30 AMHacking begins
11:00 AMMentor office hours
12:30 PMLunch + networking
2:00 PMProject check-ins
3:30 PMProject submissions close
4:00 PMLive demos and judging
5:00 PMAwards and closing

Register for Hack the Valley 2026

Spots are limited. Registration is free for accepted participants.