We started Hack Upstate in January 2013 to address two problems. First, Upstate NY has many amazing universities with some of the absolute best STEM programs in the country. However, far too often the graduates from these programs leave the region to work elsewhere. To address this problem we sought to identify ways in which we could retain this STEM talent and help facilitate employment opportunities with local employers. Second, we realized there was very little cross collaboration between Upstate NY's regional technology communities. We therefore sought to bridge those gaps and foster more opportunities for collaboration among them.

To address these problems we began hosting a biannual hackathon series in Syracuse, NY. Year over year our events have grown in size and scope and as a result we've built a growing network comprised of thousands of Upstate NY engineers, university faculty members, and local employers. Consequently, we've helped facilitate dozens of job placements with local employers over the years.

In addition to our hackathons we've also worked closely with exceptional partners over the years to organize and host many other programs including kids coding seminars, free programming classes at local libraries, and technology focused Meetups. Our latest and most ambitious undertaking is Careers in Code -- a coding bootcamp for women and minorities from Central NY's distressed communities.

Since our organization's inception we've focused exclusively on the advancement of Upstate NY's technology community in an effort to generate meaningful and lasting change in the region.

We're incredibly fortunate to have tremendous support from a wide collection of partner organizations and institutions. Without them we wouldn't have had the opportunity to pursue our mission over the years. We are eternally grateful to have their support.