A complete, pick-up-and-run toolkit for organizing GenAI hackathons at universities.
Built from real experience running the #BeTheAgenticBuilder Hackathon at the University of Maryland (April 2026). Designed so anyone on the team can take this kit, customize it for their university, and execute a successful event.
HackKit/
|-- playbook/ <-- Step-by-step guides (start here)
| |-- 00_overview.md <-- Read this first
| |-- 01_planning.md <-- 8-6 weeks out
| |-- 02_recruitment.md <-- 6-4 weeks out
| |-- 03_content.md <-- 4-2 weeks out
| |-- 04_team_prep.md <-- 2-1 weeks out
| |-- 05_event_day.md <-- Day-of run of show
| |-- 06_judging.md <-- How to use the scoring app
| |-- 07_post_event.md <-- Follow-up actions
| |-- 08_lessons_learned.md
|
|-- templates/ <-- Editable templates (fill in [BRACKETS])
| |-- email_invite_professor.md
| |-- volunteer_briefing.md
| |-- flyer_template.md
| |-- linkedin_post_template.md
| |-- agenda_template.md
| |-- thank_you_students.md
|
|-- app.py <-- Scoring app (Streamlit)
|-- db.py <-- Database layer
|-- pages/ <-- Scoring app pages
|-- KNOWLEDGE_BASE.md <-- UMD 2026 reference data
|-- requirements.txt
- Read the playbook overview:
playbook/00_overview.md - Follow sections 01-08 in order (each has checklists)
- Customize templates for your university (replace
[BRACKETED]fields) - Set up the scoring app for event day:
pip install -r requirements.txt
streamlit run app.pyAny AWS employee (CSM, SA, AM, or volunteer) who wants to run a GenAI hackathon at a university. No prior event planning experience required. Just follow the playbook.
Students learn AWS Working Backwards methodology, then build a GenAI app using PartyRock (no code required), then pitch it to judges. Total time: 5 hours. Result: portfolio-ready deliverables for students, brand engagement for AWS.
Kavita Chhabria, Sr. Customer Solutions Manager, AWS Based on the UMD College Park event, April 24, 2026.