Xactware and MATC host Code Camp for 24 hours

For 24 hours, Xactware corporate office was alive with activity. High school students from Nebo, Apline and Wasatch school districts participated in a 24 programming, design and entrepreneurship contest event.

Teams ranging in size from two to four participants competed against other teams to build the best web or mobile app.

Teams began working on their projects at 8:00 am Friday morning. Mentors from UVU, BYU, Utah Open source, Xamarin, Tech Trep Academy, and my Tech High were available during the 24 hours to assist teams and provide feedback. Food, drinks and snacks donated by MATC were provided while teams worked around the clock to complete their projects.

At exactly 8:00 am Saturday morning teams presented their project to a panel of expert judges from Xactware, Tech Trep Academy, Infotrax, Utah Open Source, and the Utah State Office of Education. Judges were tasked with providing each team a composite score based on complexity, completeness, design, uniqueness and viability.

After calculating the team scores tech prizes including tablets, headphones, and speakers donated by Stem Action Center were awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams.

The goal of the Mountainland Code Camp was to provide high school students with an opportunity to collaborate, problem solve, and create as a team. While bringing an awareness and excitement to the opportunities surrounding computer programming.

Due to the support of generous sponsors, the event was completely free to participants and allowed many students the opportunity to participate. At the completion of the event all of the teams said they would participate in the 24-hour event again, and look forward to the event again next year.