Kettering University Champions Innovation with ‘Cracking the Code’ Hackathon and Bulldog Battles, Inspiring Future Computer Science Leaders

Kettering University recently hosted its second annual "Cracking the Code" Hackathon, welcoming a dynamic group of more than two dozen high school juniors and seniors eager to dive into the world of computer science. Participants tackled real-world programming challenges, utilizing Python and Java, with the opportunity to win prizes for their top-tier solutions. The Hackathon underscores Kettering’s commitment to fostering innovation, creative problem-solving, and hands-on learning.

“We want to bring in students and show them the fun side of computer science and programming,” said Dr. Mike Farmer, head of Kettering University’s Computer Science department. “It doesn’t matter where you start. It’s a great field to get into that helps them create a career with a lot of opportunities for advancement. We want to provide a platform for students to explore their coding skills and connect with Kettering.”

Building on this momentum, Kettering University recently launched Bulldog Battles, a series of dynamic weekday competitions designed to immerse high school students in a collaborative, team-based coding environment. These battles pit teams from different schools against one another in thrilling head-to-head programming challenges.

Each week, two schools will face off, with up to 25 students per team participating in individual and team events. The week’s top teams will earn trophies, and the school with the highest overall points at the end of the season will take home the grand trophy. Ford Motor Company has generously supported Bulldog Battles, contributing 50 brand-new laptops and covering transportation costs, ensuring that financial barriers don’t limit participation.

“Our goal is to show students that computer science isn’t just about coding; it’s about creativity and problem-solving,” Dr. Farmer said. “We want to break the stereotypes and demonstrate that computer science is a field where imagination and innovation can truly flourish.”

The excitement surrounding the "Cracking the Code" Hackathon and Bulldog Battles highlights Kettering University's dedication to cultivating the next generation of computer science leaders. These events go beyond simple competition; they provide high school students with a platform to explore the limitless potential of technology and innovation.

For more information about Computer Science at Kettering University, click here.