Mashpee Public Schools and Mashpee Wampanoag Partner to Host 1st Upper Cape Cod “Hackathon” for MASS STEM Week

The Mashpee Public Schools in partnership with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe hosted the “Upper Cape Cod Hackathon” on Friday, October 25 at the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Community & Government Center.

The event was part of the Massachusetts STEM Week 2019 which took place from October 21st to 25th and was organized by the Executive Office of Education and the STEM Advisory Council in partnership with the state’s 9 Regional STEM Networks. It is a statewide effort to boost the interest, awareness and ability for all learners to envision themselves in STEM education and employment opportunities, and compliment the formal instruction happening in the Commonwealth beyond STEM week.

At the event, Mashpee Wampanoag Chairman Cedric Cromwell and Mashpee Public Schools Superintendent Patricia DeBoer, welcomed the students and facilitators. Cynthia Wigren, CEO and Co-Founder of Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, was the keynote speaker. Students in grades 8 – 12 from Mashpee, Bourne, Falmouth, Sandwich, and Upper Cape Tech participated in the event.

During the “Hackathon” students worked as teams to create projects using hacking and computer science skills. They used the opportunity to create their own APP, program a robot, design a website, and use AutoCad software. Each project provided a benefit to our Cape Cod community. As the end of the day presentations by each team were made to a panel of judges.

Amanda Hough, Mashpee Public Schools Technology/Engineering/Robotics Teacher and lead contact for the event, states, "I am super excited to bring this opportunity to students on Cape Cod. This Hackathon will allow students to work outside their schools with other students and alongside industry professionals, to experience the Wampanoag culture, and explore computer science skills!” Ms. Hough adds, “It is my dream day for students as a STEM Teacher!"

“We are grateful to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe for hosting this exciting event in their beautiful facility. This is another partnership event reinforcing that we are “A Connected Community.” Student participants in the “Upper Cape Cod Hackathon” are learning role models for us all because they are problem-solvers and risk-takers who are curious, creative, and collaborative. They will make our world a better place.” said Superintendent DeBoer

“This is an incredible opportunity for all students to explore technology and test their creativity with no bounds.” said Chairman Cromwell. “We are very pleased to partner with Mashpee Schools in hosting such a cutting-edge STEM activity here on Cape Cod as part of the state-wide event.” he said. “Just think the next Steve Jobs, or even Mary Ross, the first Native American woman aerospace engineer may be in our midst!” Cromwell added.