JEWEL CITY HACKS 6.0

​IT'S TIME TO LOCK IN!
Did you know that Lyft and Tinder started as hackathon projects?
…so did features like Meta’s signature Facebook “Like Button” and the “Chat” that became Messenger.
Hackathons are mentor-guided, computer-mediated invention-based learning competitions where founders prototype the technology project that will become the startup company — so get stoked, it’s time to LOCK IN and ship that project!
We’re bringing together the brightest inventors and rising entrepreneurs from the City of Glendale and beyond for a high-energy hackathon at Glendale Community College — JEWEL CITY HACKS 6.0!

CHALLENGE
Think Globally, Build Locally 🌍➡️🏙️
At JEWEL CITY HACKS 6.0, we’re challenging you to design technology that empowers your city, neighborhoods, and local business communities.
YOUR OBJECTIVE: Create technology that makes cities smarter, more connected, and more inclusive.
Whether you build a mobile app, web solution, or hardware prototype, your innovation should help people and small businesses engage with their communities—and their governments—in smarter, faster, and more meaningful ways.
Remember: The best hacks not only solve problems—they inspire lasting change.

ELIGIBILITY
This hackathon is open to working professionals and students in the City of Glendale, Upstart Valley, and beyond!
Space on-site is limited to 50 hackathon participants. However, this is a hybrid hackathon where remote participation is possible.
You can apply to attend by clicking "Request to Join".
If you are a member of the Computer Science Club at Glendale Community College, your admission is guaranteed.
If you are a high school student, please read below:
You must be ages 14 or older to attend this hackathon.
If you are under 18 years of age, you must have your Parent or Legal Guardian sign the Hackathon Participation Consent Form.
If you are under 18 years of age, your Parent or Legal guardian must attend the hackathon checkin & checkout with you.
In order to attend, all participants must be accepted through Luma AND sign the Hackathon Participation Consent Form.
More information about the Computer Science Club at Glendale Community College can be found here.

​SCHEDULE & WORKSHOPS
November 14, 2026
8:00 AM - Check-in Begins (San Gabriel Building)
8:15 AM - Breakfast
9:00 AM - Team Building & Ideation
9:30 AM - Keynote Speaker (Math Discovery Center)
10:15 AM - Workshop 1: Intro to Software Hacking with AI
11:30 AM - Workshop 2: Intro to Hardware Hacking & Robotics
12:30 PM - Lunch
1:30 PM - Workshop 3: Intro to XR Development
2:45 PM - Workshop 4: How to Write a Resume
4:00 PM - Workshop 5: Present like an Entrepreneur
5:15 PM - Dinner
6:00 PM - PROJECT SUBMISSION DEADLINE!
6:15 PM - Demo Expo
7:15 PM - Closing Ceremony & Prize Distribution
8:00 PM - Check-out Ends
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. Snacks will be provided throughout the day.
The schedule and workshop topics are subject to change.
MENTORSHIP & HARDWARE
Throughout the day, you’ll have access to powerhouse mentors from Hacker Fund—think leaders from Apple, Google, Amazon, Meta, Tesla, SpaceX, and more—ready to share their wisdom and help you level up your ideas.
You will have access to hardware for the hackathon that includes:
VR headsets for demo
Microcontrollers (arduinos) and sensors
Desktop computers (PC)
If you do not have a machine, you will be able to access one in the Math Discovery Center.
You are allowed to bring your own hardware which is limited to VR headsets, microcontrollers, sensors and laptop computers.
For the hackers and mentors who are unable to attend on-site, you will be able to participate in the hackathon through Google Meet and Discord.

​JUDGES
Our judges are from the top technology companies in the world. They will be evaluating the project demos based on a set of criteria below:
Technical Execution - 40%Does the prototype function as intended?
Social/Local Impact - 20%How does this solution benefit the local community?
Presentation Skills - 15%Is there clarity in storytelling and visual design?
Creativity - 10%Is the idea original or novel?
Feasibility - 15%Could this idea realistically be implemented, if funded?
PRIZES
The full list of prizes will include a combination of grant support, professional services, and cutting-edge equipment to help you continue building your projects beyond the hackathon.
All participants will also receive Certificates of Achievement to recognize their creativity, resilience, and completion of the hackathon.
GRAND CHAMPIONAwarded to the team that creates the most impactful and innovative solution addressing local municipal challenges. The Grand Champion embodies the “Think Globally, Build Locally” spirit by building a project that is scalable, functional, and community-driven.
BEST HARDWARE HACKRecognizes the team that integrates hardware tools (e.g., VR headsets, Arduino microcontrollers, sensors) into their project in the most innovative and effective way.
BEST SOFTWARE HACKAwarded to the team that builds the most elegant, user-friendly, and technically robust software tools.
TOP 5 HACKATHON HACKERSHonoring the five standout participants who demonstrated exceptional communication skills, professionalism, and leadership throughout the hackathon. These hackers set the bar for creativity, execution, and effective communication.
​FAQ
​What is JEWEL CITY HACKS?
JEWEL CITY HACKS is series of hackathons — mentor-guided, computer-mediated, invention-based learning competitions — produced by Hacker Fund at Glendale Community College where participants prototype solutions to challenges facing the City of Glendale. Watch this video below that discusses what a hackathon is and why it is important for workforce development and entrepreneurship.

How many hackers per team?
1-4
​When are submissions due?
6:00pm PT on November 14th, 2026
​When can I start hacking?
You will get an email once you have been approved to attend that will outline the project submission period.
​Where can I borrow hardware for the hackathon?
Math Discovery Center at Glendale Community College on November 14th, 2026
​What do I need to complete in order to participate in the hackathon?
You must sign the waiver in order to attend. It will be emailed to you upon registration. If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or legal guardian must sign the form in order for you to participate in the hackathon.
​Where do I check-in for the hackathon?
You will check in at the courtyard in front of the San Gabriel Building. Look for the hacker cat! 😺
​How do I find the San Gabriel Building or a place to park?
Use this campus map for reference.
I am an education faculty member at Glendale Community College or Glendale Unified School District and I want to get my students involved. Where can I get more info?
Sessions will be published here prior to the hackathon — so stay tuned!
This program is being funded by a State Grant awarded through the City of Glendale Economic Development Division.