StickerGiant, a custom sticker and label company in Colorado, proudly supports events that blend creativity, technology and community. Hip Hop Hacktivist is one of those standout programs—a free youth hackathon in New York City that uses hip-hop culture to introduce high school students to software development, design thinking and teamwork.
This article explains what the event is, how it works, and how custom stickers—like the bold Circle Sticker created for the program—support mission-driven branding for youth-centered tech events.
What Is Hip Hop Hacktivist?
Hip Hop Hacktivist is a social coding event designed for high school students, including those with little or no coding experience. Hosted at the Tumblr Inc. offices in Manhattan, participants come together for a one-day collaborative challenge to build a functioning software application.
The program is driven by three core elements:
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Music and culture
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Technology and education
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Community mentorship
Its theme, “We Gon’ Be Alright,” draws inspiration from Kendrick Lamar and underscores the event’s message of empowerment.
Why This Event Matters for Youth in Tech
A Pathway Into Technology
Students work in teams guided by:
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Two trained software developers
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One trained design professional
This structure helps each participant experience real-world collaboration and the creative process behind web app development.
Skills Students Learn
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Teamwork and communication
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Time management
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Sketching, wireframing and ideation
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Basic front-end and back-end coding concepts
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Presenting a product idea in a clear four-minute pitch
Community Partnerships
Hip Hop Hacktivist is supported by VICE Impact and aligns with the standards of Major League Hacking (MLH), the official student hackathon league with 65,000+ participants globally. These partnerships expand visibility and help position youth participants within a larger tech community.
How the Hackathon Works: A Step-by-Step Overview
1. Ideation
Students brainstorm ideas based on the event theme and sketch early concepts with help from design mentors.
2. Prototyping
Teams refine their ideas into simple wireframes or mockups.
3. Development
Developers collaborate with students to bring the prototype to life using fundamental programming tools.
4. Presentation
Teams deliver a four-minute presentation explaining the problem, their solution, and what they built.
5. Judging and Prizes
Judges award prizes based on creativity, execution, and clarity of presentation.
Event Branding: The Custom Circle Sticker
Hip Hop Hacktivist created an all-black Circle Sticker with a bold, type-driven layout. The design features:
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Angular brackets referencing programming
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Strong, uppercase “HIP HOP” typography
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Red accent for The Art DepartmENT, the organizing group
This type of sticker is ideal for:
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Event branding
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Participant takeaways
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Sponsor recognition
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On-site decoration for laptops, notebooks or equipment cases
StickerGiant produces custom Circle Stickers in full color with water-, oil- and UV-resistant durability, allowing event organizers to showcase brand identity clearly and confidently.
How Stickers Support Youth Tech Events
1. Identity and Pride
Giving students a sticker helps them feel like part of a team or community.
2. Visibility for Sponsors
Stickers placed on laptops and gear travel with participants long after the event.
3. Low-Cost, High-Impact Branding
Stickers are an affordable way for nonprofits and community groups to create a cohesive brand experience.
Music, Mentorship and Tech: A Complete Experience
In addition to coding challenges, Hip Hop Hacktivist includes:
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A live music showcase
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A panel featuring music and tech professionals
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Conversations about career pathways in creative technology
This integrated experience shows participants that technology and culture intersect in powerful ways—and that they belong in both spaces.
Key Takeaways
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Hip Hop Hacktivist is a free NYC youth hackathon inspired by hip-hop culture and community empowerment.
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Students collaborate with trained developers and designers to build a software application in one day.
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StickerGiant provided custom Circle Stickers, helping strengthen event branding and participant engagement.
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The program partners with VICE Impact and aligns with Major League Hacking standards.
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The event blends mentorship, music and technology to introduce youth to real opportunities in the tech industry.
FAQ
What is Hip Hop Hacktivist?
A youth-centered hackathon in NYC that uses hip-hop culture to teach high school students coding, design and collaboration skills.
Do students need prior coding experience?
No. The program is designed for beginners and includes mentorship from professional developers and designers.
How long is the hackathon?
It’s a one-day event where teams brainstorm, build and present a software concept.
What role does StickerGiant play?
StickerGiant supports the event with custom Circle Stickers that reinforce branding and give participants a memorable takeaway.
Why are stickers valuable at youth tech events?
They build community, amplify the event brand and provide a low-cost, high-impact way to engage participants.
Are StickerGiant stickers water resistant?
Yes. Many StickerGiant sticker products use water-resistant materials ideal for indoor and outdoor use.