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Hack4Impact

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Club Mission

We are the Penn Chapter of Hack4Impact, a student-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to developing software for social good. As a Penn student organiztation, we team up with socially-responsible organizations to build products tackling issues in education, food accessibility, poverty, and more. 

Founded in 2014 at Penn, Hack4Impact is one of the earliest tech for good organizations in the country. Since then, Hack4Impact has grown into a national organizations with 10+ university chapters and 800+ members.

In the meantime, follow us on Facebook or Instagram (@hack4impactpenn) to stay connected with our community. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach us at penn@hack4impact.org.

FAQ

Most Recent
Question: Is the application for Class of 2027 now open? - Anonymous

Our application for students in the classes of 2026, 2027, and 2028 are now open and can be accessed through PennClubs or here on our website.

- Hack4Impact
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Question: Can online MCIT students apply? - Anonymous

A huge part of our club is the community that it builds for us! Most of these events happen in person, so we recommend every potential member be in person on campus.

- Hack4Impact
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Question: Will there be apps for next semester? - Anonymous
We do not usually recruit for any positions in the spring, although it is up to the discretion of the next executive board. Check back in January for any updates about our recruitment cycle!
- Hack4Impact
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Question: Some members of H4I mentioned they went on Figma a lot... do some developers design as well? - Anonymous
We don't have an official design position (yet), but many of our developers do have extra skills they like to work on outside of developing. Design is definitely one of them, and this year, internally, we will be putting together a design committee to build out a lasting team. That said, we do not recruit for designers. For those of you who are interested but not too knowledgable about design, Figma is a collaborative design tool similar to photoshop/illustrator that is ~free~. (Also, a ton of our alum work there so we love it 🥺 )
- Hack4Impact
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Question: How does the project structure work? - Anonymous
We source and work on new projects every semester normally in teams of 5-6 people. Each team has a PM (project manager) who handles the majority of client communications and a TL (tech lead) who helps develop and distribute tasks weekly.
- Hack4Impact
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Question: Can grad students apply? - Anonymous

Yes, grad students are welcome to apply as long as you are not in your last year before graduating (class of 2025). On the application form, please indicate your lastest graduation year from Penn as your "class year".

- Hack4Impact
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Question: Should I still apply if I haven't necessarily worked on a structured side project? - Anonymous
No worries if you don't have a super structured project that you've worked on. Feel free to write about some of the work that you've done in the courses or through self-learning. The point of the project question is for you to explain and demonstrate the work that you've done with CS, and often, people will write about "projects"/assignments they've completed as part of their classes as examples of it. Also, if you feel like this isn't the best time for you to apply and want to wait to get a bit more experience/work, we 100000% encourage re-applying or applying the following year. A lot of our members entered as sophomores and juniors, and even one of our current co-directors applied twice! Though, we would encourage you to submit an application this year, EVEN if you are unsure about your skills/experience!
- Hack4Impact
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Question: What is the time commitment? - Anonymous
1hr full group (mandatory) meeting every Wednesday. ~4 hours outside of that inclusive of social and development activities!
- Hack4Impact
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Question: What does a technical developer/software engineer do in Hack4Impact? - Anonymous
Technical developers drive forward Hack4Impact’s mission by building software that meets important social and humanitarian needs. As a technical developer, you will have the opportunity to develop and ship a project with tangible impact each semester. Within the organization, you can also work on various open-source software initiatives and learn from mentors around you to gain skills necessary to becoming a full-stack developer.
- Hack4Impact
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Question: I applied to H4I last year but did not get in. Can I re-apply again this year? - Anonymous

YES! Please re-apply. So many of our members did not get in the first time (including one of our past co-directors), and we strongly encourage you to submit another application!

- Hack4Impact
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Question: What are you looking for in an applicant? - Anonymous
We are looking for people who are excited about working in social impact and tech and who resonate deeply with our mission and values: http://hack4impact.org/about! If you are passionate about software and social impact, a self-starter, want to learn, and are eager to apply your skills to affect real lives, please submit an application! If you are on the fence, please reach out to us. We're super friendly <3
- Hack4Impact
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Question: How much software experience do I need to be a technical developer? - Anonymous
If you have taken CIS 110 or AP Computer Science, you are qualified to join Hack4Impact! We have a huge focus on education and will make sure that you have the resources and mentorship opportunities to learn how to build software products. If you are eager to learn the technologies, and are passionate about social impact and community-building, we are excited for you to apply! Developers with React knowledge are a plus, but please apply even if you don’t know! Most (basically all) our members applied without React knowledge, and this year, we are implementing a ton of internal initiatives around a technical Bootcamp for new and returning members.
- Hack4Impact
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Question: For Fall 2020, what positions are you recruiting for? - Anonymous

Technical developers only. On the application, there is a question about PM/TL interests, but that is not considered an application for PM/TLs (nor is it considered in the application process). PM/TLs are promoted internally! (Applies for years beyond 2020 as well!)

- Hack4Impact
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Question: Why should I join? - Anonymous
As a Hack4Impact member, you can shape the organization's initiatives (or start your own!) in areas such as impact assessment, diversity & inclusion, career development, and more. As an organization and as a community, we care about and actively support the individual development of each member, be it professional or personal. In addition to our social impact projects, we focus on building a tight-knit community of students passionate about social change. As a member of the Hack4Impact family, you will bond with the community and become part of the Hack4Impact family, receive mentorship and guidance from a strong network of accomplished and amazing alumni, watch movies, join in for board game nights, and make memories with your Hack4Impact friends 😊
- Hack4Impact
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Question: Who should apply? - Anonymous

Class of 2026, 2027, and 2028. You do NOT have to be a CS major to apply!

- Hack4Impact
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Basic Info

50 Registered (20 - 50 Members)

Not Currently Accepting Members

Application Required

Fall Semester


Contact

How to Get Involved

Check out https://upenn.hack4impact.org/ for more information about who we are, descriptions about roles within Hack4Impact, and why you should join!

If you have any questions or concerns, please email us here: penn@hack4impact.org

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