A scholarship awarded to passionate high school hackers in need, giving them the opportunity to attend the best high school hackathons.
COVID-19 Response
Due to public health concerns, our Travel Grant program has been suspended until the COVID-19 emergency ends. We're looking forward to supporting more students when in-person events return. Please do not hesitate to
contact us if you have more questions.
Apply Now
Here’s the story.
In summer 2018, we organized Hack Chicago, the Midwest’s largest high school hackathon to-date.
We’re lucky. Since then, we’ve had the opportunity to experience dozens of fascinating student-run events like Hack Cincinnati, HackPenn and Windy City Hacks. But not everyone is that lucky, and not every high school hackathon can afford to provide travel aid.
We’re here to help. Fill out an application, tell us your story, and we’ll cover your travel expenses to get you to the best high school hackathons in the nation.
By students, for students.
Travel Grant is funded by a number of student-led high school hackathons with their excess sponsorship after the event.
Want to join us on our mission to support more students around the country? Let’s get in touch.
How does it work?
There are only 3 steps to Travel Grant. You’re only moments away from an amazing hackathon experience!
STEP 1: RECORD
Submit a short video of yourself, and convince us that it’s worth sending you on a trip to an amazing event! Take your time — applications are approved on a rolling basis. In your video, tell us who you are, where you’re from, and what makes you unique. Let’s be real here— this is not your college application, so we want you to be as casual as possible.
STEP 2: HACK
Once you’re approved, you can then book your travel, and attend the event of your choice! Hack away, make new friends, and be sure to take lots of pictures.
STEP 3: SHARE
Share your event experience with us and your event organizers in the form of a blog or a video, so we can provide this experience to even more students!
Apply now.
There’re no restrictions, no prerequisites, and no complicated forms. Answer a few questions, give us some time to review, and you’ll be on your way to one of the best weekends of your life.
COVID-19 Response
Due to public health concerns, our Travel Grant program has been suspended until the COVID-19 emergency ends. We're looking forward to supporting more students when in-person events return. Please do not hesitate to
contact us if you have more questions.
Apply Now
FAQ
Who can apply?
Any middle or high school student in need of travel assistance can apply for Travel Grant. Due to resource limitations, we’re not able to provide support for college students.
How much money do I get?
Enough to cover your round-trip transportation to the event. In certain cases, we might offer partial coverage for your trip, but we will certainly support you to the maximum of our ability.
How do I record my application?
Be creative. You’re not going to a college interview! We’re really curious to learn some interesting facts about you that we can’t find elsewhere. Be specific: “I am passionate about coding” does not tell your story! But still keep it short — under 10 minutes. You can either upload it to Google Drive or YouTube Unlisted.
Why do I need to record a video?
Don’t be stressed out! The purpose of the video is to allow us to get to know you as a person—how you communicate, how you establish your characters, etc. Afterall, we need to make sure we are using our limited resources to support a real student!
How will I book my travel?
Once you’re accepted, you will be responsible for booking travel yourself (we’ll send you the terms upon acceptance). We’ll reimburse the cost after the event. If you can’t front the money, let us know, and we’ll book the travel for you.
How early should I apply?
At least 4-5 weeks before the event. To try to provide support for as many students as we possibly can, we tend to avoid booking travel on short notice. However, if your transportation cost does not increase with time — train, bus, etc., you may apply slight later. You can always fill out your application as early as you wish!
When will I receive the grant?
After the event, we will ask you to submit some form of reflection to us. The reflection can be in the form of a blog post, a video, a collection of pictures, and your project. The reflection will be shared with the event team, and we’ll reimburse you via check as soon as we receive the reflection.
Which events can I go to?
Any hackathon that you’re admitted to. Check with the hackathon first — they might be able to cover your travel already!
I have more questions...
Shoot us an email! team@executebig.org is the best address to reach us.
