Heartspring Hackathon, May 16, 2025.  Showcase Your Talent. Solve Real Challenges. Earn a Paid Internship.

Heartspring Hackathon

Showcase Your Talent. Solve Real Challenges. Earn a Paid Internship.

Heartspring is searching for innovative and driven college or university students to join our IT & Business Intelligence team as interns. To identify top talent, we’re hosting a one-day Hackathon that will challenge your skills in data analysis, scripting, and business problem-solving.

Compete in a dynamic, hands-on environment where your ideas and insights can lead to real impact. Impress our panel, and your team could walk away with a paid internship offer.

What to Expect

This is more than just a coding challenge—it's a chance to step into the shoes of a future star.

  • Work in teams of two to tackle a real-world business scenario using provided datasets.
  • Conduct mock stakeholder interviews with Heartspring department leads to understand business and data requirements.
  • Use tools such as Python, Alteryx (required), SQL, and Tableau (required) to clean, manipulate, and visualize data.
  • Develop a strategic, data-driven solution and present it to a panel of expert judges.
  • Demonstrate not only technical proficiency, but also communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.

About Heartspring

Heartspring is a nonprofit organization based in Wichita, Kansas, dedicated to serving children with neurodevelopmental differences through a unique blend of therapeutic services, special education, and residential care. With over 60 systems powering our operations, data is central to how we improve lives—and we’re excited to welcome new minds to that mission.

Learn More About Us

Event Details

May 16, 2025
8AM - 9PM
Heartspring Conference Center
8700 East 29th St N, Wichita, KS
View Parking Map

Apply Today!  Contact Us

Hackathon Parking

FAQs

  • Who can participate?

    We welcome anyone eager to showcase their skills in data analysis, coding, and business problem-solving. While the event is geared toward college and university students, we also encourage recent graduates, career changers, and self-taught learners with a strong interest in Business Intelligence, Data Analytics, or related fields to apply.

    Whether you're enrolled in a formal program or building your expertise independently — if you're passionate about data and ready to take on a real-world challenge, this is your opportunity.

  • Can I participate remotely?

    No, this is an in-person event.

    Since the goal is to assess not only technical skills but also collaboration, communication, and presentation abilities, we require participants to be on-site for the full event. This also aligns with the nature of the in-person internship opportunity that will follow.

  • What do I need to bring?

    This is a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) event. All participants must bring their own laptop.

    Please ensure your device is in good working condition, and equipped with the tools you typically use for data analysis and development.

    Internet access will be provided, but technical support for device setup will be limited during the event.

    Bring your laptop, a positive mindset, and be ready to solve real-world problems as a team!

  • What programs will we be using?

    All participants are expected to have Alteryx Designer and Tableau Desktop fully installed and operational on their laptops before the event.

    This event is designed for individuals who are already familiar with these tools. Trial versions may be used if needed, but participants should arrive with a working knowledge of both platforms, as no installation or training time will be provided during the Hackathon.

    Please ensure your setup is tested and ready to go so you can focus entirely on solving the challenge.

    Altryx

    Available for a free trial download. Free licenses available for College Students.

    Download Alteryx

    Tableau

    Available for a 10 Day free trial download. Free licenses available for College Students.

    Download Tableau

  • When is the deadline to apply?  
    When will I hear back about my application?

    The Application Cutoff Date is May 11, 2025.

    Selection decisions will be finalized by May 12, 2025. Accepted applicants will be contacted via email.

  • Will food be provided?

    Yes! Heartspring will provide breakfast, lunch, dinner, beverages, and snacks throughout the day to keep participants energized and focused.

    If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please indicate them on your application so we can accommodate your needs accordingly. You're also welcome to bring your own snacks if you prefer (no peanuts please).

    We’ve got the fuel — you bring the brainpower!

  • How will our work be judged?

    Your team's solution will be evaluated by a panel of Heartspring professionals based on the following general criteria:

    • Collaboration & Teamwork – How well did you communicate, delegate, and work as a unit?
    • Analytical Thinking – Did you demonstrate a strong understanding of the problem and apply sound logic in your approach?
    • Technical Execution – How effectively did you use available tools and technologies to manipulate, analyze, and visualize data?
    • Creativity & Innovation – Did you approach the challenge with originality or offer a unique perspective?
    • Presentation & Communication – Was your final solution clearly explained, professionally presented, and aligned with the problem’s objectives?

    Judges will consider both the process and the outcome, looking for well-rounded problem solvers who can thrive in the real-world.

  • What does the internship program involve?

    Interns selected from the Heartspring Hackathon will join our IT & Business Intelligence team for a hands-on, project-based internship that goes beyond basic training.

    As an intern, you will:

    • Work on real datasets that impact day-to-day operations across clinical, educational, and administrative departments
    • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify business challenges and deliver data-driven insights
    • Build dashboards and reports in Tableau and automate workflows using Alteryx and Python
    • Contribute to meaningful projects that improve outcomes for children and families we serve
    • Receive mentorship from experienced professionals in data, IT, and analytics

    This is a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience, expand your professional network, and build a portfolio of impactful work all while contributing to Heartspring’s mission.