Columbus, OH (April 30, 2018)

Franklin University and its branch campus, Urbana University hosted nearly 200 students from central Ohio and Champaign County area high schools last week for the CBusStudentHack Coding for Community: Peacebuilding Hackathon –computer programming contest finale.

Throughout the 7-week contest, students learned how to navigate and create apps focused on peacebuilding and conflict resolution for a better community. Through their efforts, CBusStudentHack students learn 21st century skills via computer science education, and prepared for college and career readiness, all while solving real world problems that opened the doors of opportunity and creativity.

For the finale, students met at the Columbus Metropolitan Library to present their project ideas to a team of community judges, comprised of industry and government experts. This year’s judges, who volunteered their time and expertise, represented the following organizations:  Battelle, Franklin University, Fog Creek Software, Happy Hospital Project, IGS Energy, Nexosis, Ohio National Guard, Tech Corps, University of Cincinnati, Urbana University, and White Castle Corporation.

The WINNERS:

• First Place: Team DROP TABLE from Dublin City Schools – Jerome

• Second Place: Team SHREDD SQUAD from Dublin City Schools – Jerome

• Third Place: Team KAHLE SALAD from Upper Arlington High School.

• Nexosis Challenge: Team: Principals (Dublin Jerome)   

• Fourth Place: Best Presentation: Team Approximately Hungry from Dublin Sciota.
• Fifth Place : Best Idea: Team Ga-Hack-Na Global Citizens from Gahanna Lincoln High School
• Rookie Team:  Team KAHLE SALAD from Upper Arlington School

In support of the need to increase the number of students entering STEM fields, all participants who completed this year’s CbusStudenthack challenge have been offered a scholarship toward attending either Franklin University or Urbana University – up to $40,000.

A special thank you to this year’s sponsors: Battelle, PK Financial Group, Battle for Humanity, Nexosis, and the Columbus Metropolitan Library

“All young people should be offered the opportunity and encouragement to engage in STEM related endeavors, to help prepare them to become the innovators, researchers, and leaders who solve the challenges facing society, both today and tomorrow,” said Christopher Washington, Provost and Senior Vice President, Franklin University. “Providing access to technology-focused competitions such as the CbusStudentHack, supports not only access to quality STEM learning opportunities, but also stimulates interest and talent in technology fields, one of the major workforce development gaps we face today.”

To learn more about the CBusStudentHack visit https://cbusstudenthack.org/ and to continue the conversation on social media please use the hashtag #CBusStudentHack.

About Franklin University

Accredited, nonprofit and dedicated to educating adults since 1902, Franklin provides onsite course options at over 25 Midwest locations and is an innovator in providing personalized online education. The University offers applied in-demand undergraduate, master’s and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals. The University also offers several academic programs internationally, including its top-ranked MBA, through agreements with partner institutions.

Franklin University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditations for specific academic programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.