Hack4Hope is a one-day Cancer Policy Hackathon where students, creators, clinicians, and community advocates collaborate to design innovative tools that make cancer policy more understandable, accessible, and actionable. Hosted virtually (with an in-person showcase) as part of the Day of Play Series: Hack4Hope challenges participants to build rapid prototypes—apps, games, campaigns, simulations, or navigation tools—that help communities overcome barriers caused by insurance rules, environmental inequities, screening access gaps, and survivorship protections. This event transforms creativity into advocacy by mobilizing youth to generate real solutions that support ACS CAN’s mission for equitable cancer policy. Hosted by KiraKira Institute, American Cancer Society at University of Southern California, and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.
Requirements
You will submit your project on our DevPost page. Your submission should include a comprehensive Project Description and a compelling Demo.
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Project Description: Your description should be a brief but complete overview of your project, including the following:
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Project Overview: Which problem statement did you tackle? What programming languages and tools did you use, and how did you use them? What cancer resources or other information did you take into account when creating your solution?
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Purpose: What problem were you tackling in the context of cancer? Detail your team’s motivation and explain why you believe your project matters. What is the future of your project, and how does it make some aspect of life better for individuals impacted by cancer or those involved in their care?
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How it works: What can a user do with your project? What are your user stories? What data sets did you use to make meaningful conclusions?
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The Demo & Presentation
Your demo is your chance to shine and show the judges what you built. This is the primary source judges will use to evaluate your project, so give it the attention it deserves.
You have the flexibility to present your project in a way that best highlights your work. You can choose to:
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Live Demo: A live, interactive demonstration of your tool or application, with a team member speaking and showing its features. (5 minutes max)
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Presentation & Walkthrough: A presentation deck (e.g., in Google Slides or PowerPoint) that explains your project, your process, and what inspired your team, followed by a live walkthrough or pre-recorded video of your project in action.
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Video-Only: A pre-recorded video (2 to 5 minutes) showcasing your project with a voice-over explanation.
Regardless of your chosen format, your presentation should be 2-5 minutes total.
The Codebase
We highly encourage using GitHub as a shared repository of code for your team. It allows for efficient code sharing and timestamps individual commits. All relevant code and information in your project must be developed after hacking starts at 8 am PT. Breaking this rule will result in immediate disqualification. The codebase is where judges will be able to evaluate the quality of your code and ensure the work you turn in is your own.
Our Community Guidelines
This event is founded on the principles of respect, collaboration, and community. Hack4Hope is an event to raise funds for cancer advocacy, and we expect all participants to embody these values. We have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or inappropriate behavior. Please use appropriate language, treat everyone with kindness and respect, and help us maintain a safe and supportive environment for all.
Prizes
Cash Prize
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
Judge TBD
Judging Criteria
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Most Impactful
Guiding Question: Does this project meaningfully point toward change? -
Most Innovative
Does this project approach the problem in a fresh or unexpected way? -
Most Informative
Does this project clearly explain a system shaping cancer outcomes? -
Local Legends Award
Does this project reflect and respond to los angeles–specific realities? -
Player's Choice Award
Which project resonated most with participants?
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
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