PennApps is a student-run hackathon held at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. High school and undergraduate students work in teams on software or hardware projects, with workshops and mentoring available to beginners and experienced participants.
The organizers now say the next edition will take place in the spring semester. Applications are expected later in October, but the exact opening date, deadline, and event dates have not been published.
Benefits & funding
- The most recently published cycle was free for participants.
- The 2025 event provided meals and on-site rest space, and its application portal advertised more than USD 50,000 in prizes.
- Funding, prizes, food, housing, and travel support for the next spring cycle have not yet been announced.
Eligibility
- The latest detailed eligibility page admitted high school and undergraduate students from the United States and abroad.
- No nationality or residency restriction was stated.
- Beginners and experienced hackers were both invited to apply.
- Updated eligibility rules for the next spring cycle have not yet been published.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Education required
High School · Bachelor Enrolled
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Application process
- 1Join the notification list on the PennApps website while applications are closed.
- 2Return when applications open later in October and follow the official application link.
- 3Complete the individual application with student information, interests, and examples of work where requested.
- 4Wait for the selection decision and follow the logistics instructions sent to accepted participants.
Program timeline
Most recent published application deadline
August 18, 2025
Most recent published PennApps event
September 19–21, 2025
Applications for the next spring-semester cycle are expected to open
Later in October
Spring semester
Next event; exact dates not yet published