What is LingHacks VI?
LingHacks VI is the sixth iteration of the world's first computational linguistics hackathon for high schoolers. Our goal is to expose students of all backgrounds to the field of natural language processing and inspire students to pursue computer science in their careers. ​LingHacks VI is an invention competition where you come together with a team and build a software project that integrates computational linguistics and may or may not solve a scientific or social problem. LingHacks is a member of the Obama White House's CSforALL National Consortium and is the inaugural recipient of the AI4ALL Impact Grant.Â
Why computational linguistics?
Computational linguistics bridges the gap between simple rule-following computers and complex humans who can comprehend emotion and interpret ambiguity, which gives computers more humanistic abilities. Comp ling techniques also power tools used in biology, fintech, IT, and more. Computational linguistics intrigues people across a broad spectrum of artistic and technical interests.
What should I bring?
You'll probably need some sort of laptop to build your project with. That's pretty much it, since LingHacks VI will be virtual.
What is computational linguistics?
Computational linguistics, otherwise known as natural language processing, is the field of artificial intelligence that applies to the synthesis and analysis of language and speech. Things like machine translation technologies, voice assistants, search engines, and chatbots are all powered by computational linguistics tools. It's a fascinating synergy of scientific techniques applied to an elegant humanity that is part and parcel of our core human identities.
What is a hackathon?
A hackathon is an invention competition and educational experience. Check out this video by MLH for an inside look at what happens at a hackathon!
When, where, and how much?
In light of COVID-19 concerns, LingHacks VI will be completely virtual (and free, as always) and will likely take place in spring/summer 2025. Registration will open sometime in 2025 - subscribe here to be the first to know when signups are open!
Prerequisites & rules?
No experience is required! We have designed workshops and will have mentors to help you gain skills in programming, machine learning, and natural language processing. Teams can be between 1 and 3 people, and you don't need to have a team or an idea beforehand. You must be in high school in the 2024-25 school year. You are also subject to the MLH Code of Conduct.
Schedule
Coming in 2025!
Photos from LingHacks II (2019)
A huge thank-you goes out to all of our sponsors, partners, mentors, volunteers, and judges for making LingHacks II possible. Check out the photos below for a peek at our second annual hackathon and get excited about LingHacks VI!
Interested in sponsoring LingHacks VI?
Please reach out at sponsorship@linghacks.tech and check out our sponsorship prospectus below!
