The Atlanta Hawks and Microsoft today announced the launch of the Coded Dunk Challenge, an innovative coding competition for youth to expand their knowledge of technology, ignite an interest in computer science and introduce them to STEM-focused career paths.
The organizations teamed up with Fair Chance Learning, a company that curates best-in-class educational programs to elevate students’ learning, to provide students ages 11 through 18 an opportunity to create unique on-screen basketball dunks through the use of code. Youth from the state of Georgia are encouraged to participate in the competition. Entries will be accepted through Friday, March 3.
As part of the competition, students will produce and submit codes to display their best and most creative Harry the Hawk basketball dunk for a chance to compete in the Coded Dunk Challenge. At the conclusion of the Challenge, three finalists will be selected to attend the Hawks’ home game on Friday, March 17 and have their coded dunks displayed on the centerhung at State Farm Arena. During the game, the winner will be announced and see their dunk executed live on the court.
“We are excited to be partnering with the Hawks on the Coded Dunk Challenge,” said Director of Sports Partnerships at Microsoft, Monica Robbins. “This Challenge leverages the natural synergies between sports and STEM to deliver fun and approachable activities that hopefully help to get students excited about the possibilities of STEM.”
Earlier today at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center and Aquatic Center, the Hawks and Microsoft tipped off the challenge in collaboration with Fair Chance Learning to provide more than 40 middle school students an opportunity to code and create Harry the Hawk basketball dunks.
A special surprise to the afternoon’s festivities was the appearance of Hawks Center Clint Capela who was joined by members of Hawks Entertainment including Harry the Hawk, the ATL Hawks Dancers,…
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