What if you could learn to code, build your own projects and earn real tech prizes — without paying anything?
Hack Club Stardance is a free online STEM program for teenagers where participants build technical projects, share their work and earn rewards based on their participation.
You don’t need to be an experienced coder. Beginners can join too.
Quick Facts
- Opportunity Type: Free Online STEM & Maker Program
- Host: Hack Club
- Partner: NASA
- Age: 13–18 years
- Nationality: Worldwide
- Format: Online
- Dates: June 1 – September 30
- Application Fee: Free
- Prior Experience: Not required
- Projects: Websites, games, apps, hardware and other technical projects
- Rewards: Hardware and technology prizes
- Certificate: Available after meeting the programme’s requirements
What Is Stardance?
Stardance is a summer programme where teens spend their time building real technical projects instead of simply watching tutorials.
You can create things like:
- Websites
- Games
- Apps
- Hardware projects
- Your own technical ideas
You can learn alongside other young builders, get help from the Hack Club community and share your projects.
Build Projects. Earn Rewards.
One of the most exciting parts of Stardance is its reward system.
Participants earn stardust through eligible project-building and participation activities. The stardust can then be used in the programme’s shop to redeem available rewards.
Depending on the available rewards, these can include technology and hardware such as:
- Raspberry Pi devices
- 3D printers
- Laptops
- VR headsets
- Other maker and electronics equipment
Important: These prizes are earned rewards, not guaranteed gifts for every participant. The amount you can redeem depends on your participation and the program’s reward rules.
Do You Need Coding Experience?
No.
Stardance is open to beginners, so you don’t need to already know how to code or build hardware.
You can start with beginner-friendly resources and gradually work your way toward more advanced projects.
Can You Get a Certificate?
Yes.
Participants who meet the required 30 hours of verified project work can earn a Certificate of Achievement.
That can also give you something concrete to add to your:
- College applications
- Portfolio
- Resume
- GitHub/project profile
Who Can Apply?
The key requirement is age.
You must be:
13–18 years old during the programme’s eligibility period.
The program is open internationally, so teenagers from different countries can participate, subject to the program’s applicable rules.
How Much Does It Cost?
Nothing.
- Application: Free
- Program participation: Free
- No subscription required to join
You’ll need your own device and internet access to build and submit projects, but there is no program participation fee.
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