DESIGNING AI TOOLS FOR REAL STUDENT BARRIERS
Duration4 Hours
WhoAll Skill Levels Welcome
WhereMt. SAC
THE CHALLENGE
Community college students face real barriers to success:
- 33%must prioritize work
- 30%must prioritize mental health
- 29%struggle to keep up with course pace
- 23%care for dependents
- 19%cannot afford course materials
YOUR TASK
Design an AI-powered tool that helps students navigate one or more of these barriers.
You are not expected to build a fully working app.
You are expected to design a thoughtful, realistic, student-centered solution.
WHAT YOU'LL BUILD
Your solution must include:
Playlab.ai
Used for things like:
- Guidance, reflection, planning, or decision support
- Drafting messages or helping students think through choices
Anything.com
Used to show:
- A platform to embed your Playlab into
- Your familiarity with 'Vibe Coding' and using AI code-editors
DELIVERABLES
By the end — Self Check
01
Problem Statement
- What barrier are you addressing?
- Why does it matter?
02
AI Solution Description
- What does your tool do?
- How do Playlab + prototype work together?
03
Equity & Ethics Check
- Who does this help?
- What does it not replace?
- One limitation or risk
04
Prototype or Demo
Round 1 — Information
05
2-Minute Pitch
Round 2 — Clear, human, jargon-light
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Empathy
Empathy for real student lives
Responsibility
Responsible, realistic AI use
Clarity
Clear thinking over fancy tech
This hackathon is about designing with care, not coding the fastest.