KANSAS CITY, MISOSURI – The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City announced today that the University of Central Missouri (UCM) was awarded first place in the Bank’s sixth annual External LinkCode-A-Thon. This year’s competition challenged students to build a software solution for s a specific problem faced by a limited audience. The winning UCM team designed an app that helps students struggling to socialize after returning to in-person school.
The Kansas City Fed Code-A-Thon, a two-day virtual event, is designed to encourage and inspire computer science and engineering collegiate students. This year, six teams consisting of 24 students worked throughout the weekend of April 8-10 to develop their software solutions. Teams were judged on innovation, UX/polish, functionality, impact/potential and presentation.
This year, second place was awarded to Langston University students, who developed software that connects refugees to resources and aid groups. Southwest Baptist University (SBU) students received third place for an app that helps young adults remember life skills. The University Champion Award, which recognizes the most committed and engaged faculty in the competition, was awarded to Dr. Ralph Grayson from Langston University.
Almost half of the Bank’s employees are IT professionals, and Code-A-Thon and other programs support STEM education efforts and build a talent pipeline. Since its inception, the event has grown in its participation, and several current Kansas City Fed employees are past Code-A-Thon participants. For information on the 2023 Code-A-Thon, email KC.Codeathon@kc.frb.org.
As the regional headquarters of the nation’s central bank, the Kansas City Fed and its branch offices in Denver, Oklahoma City and Omaha serve the seven states of the Tenth District: Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wyoming, northern New Mexico and western Missouri.