AMD is partnering with Hack Club, NASA, and GitHub Education to launch Stardance, a nationwide summer engineering competition designed to help teenagers build real-world AI applications, games, robotics systems, and hardware projects rather than simply consume technology. Running from June 1 through September 30, 2026, the initiative aims to transform how young people engage with technology by rewarding hands-on creation over traditional coursework.

What Makes Stardance Different From Traditional Coding Programs?

Most student technology programs focus on completing assignments or following tutorials. Stardance flips that model by emphasizing momentum and real-world shipping. Instead of grades, participants earn "coins" by building and iterating on actual projects submitted to Hack Club. These coins can be redeemed for tangible hardware and developer tools, creating a direct incentive for creation rather than completion.

The competition welcomes both experienced developers and complete beginners, ages 13 to 18. Students can explore diverse project types, from training local artificial intelligence assistants to creating indie games, prototyping robotics systems, building custom hardware tools, designing space-data visualizations, or experimenting with next-generation gaming and AI experiences.

What Hardware and Tools Will Students Receive?

Stardance offers concrete rewards that give young builders access to professional-grade equipment. The prize pool includes Raspberry Pi systems, Flipper Zero devices, AI-powered gaming peripherals, game development tools, local large language model (LLM) setups, and AMD GPU and hardware prizes. These rewards are designed to lower barriers to entry for students who might not otherwise have access to cutting-edge development hardware.

How to Get Started With Stardance

• Register Online: Students can sign up at stardance.hackclub.com/amd to begin participating in the challenge immediately, with the competition running through September 30, 2026.
• Build Any Project Type: Participants can create games, AI applications, robotics systems, hardware projects, websites, simulations, or any other technology-based project that demonstrates hands-on learning and innovation.
• Earn Coins and Redeem Rewards: Time spent building, experimenting, and iterating translates into coins that unlock real hardware prizes, from Raspberry Pi systems to AMD GPUs and local LLM setups.
• Attend the In-Person Hackathon: Qualifying US participants can showcase their projects at an exclusive in-person hackathon during AMD Advancing AI in San Francisco from July 21-23, 2026, where they'll network with industry leaders and fellow student builders.

Who Is Supporting This Initiative?

The collaboration brings together multiple organizations with complementary expertise. Hack Club, the largest nonprofit network for teen coders and makers in the United States, is targeting 100,000 student signups across the US and worldwide through school outreach, online communities, partnerships, and direct engagement with high schools. NASA is supporting the initiative by providing access to publicly available mission datasets, educational resources, and virtual sessions with subject matter experts. Students will have opportunities to explore technologies and ideas inspired by programs including Artemis and the James Webb Space Telescope.

AMD provides the computational foundation that enables students to move beyond ideas and build real projects. From AI workloads to simulation and hardware projects, AMD technology powers the kinds of tools students will use throughout the summer challenge. The company's involvement reflects its broader commitment to inspiring the next generation of student innovators by giving young builders access to real tools, real hardware, and real opportunities to create.

Why Does This Matter for the Future of Tech?

As AI, gaming, and interactive technologies continue reshaping industries, initiatives like Stardance help students transition from passive technology consumers to active creators and problem-solvers. For many participants, the challenge may represent their first hackathon, first AI application, first hardware prototype, or first open-source contribution. By giving young builders permission to experiment boldly and turn ideas into something real, Stardance addresses a critical gap in tech education: the opportunity to learn by doing with professional-grade tools.

The in-person hackathon at AMD Advancing AI in San Francisco from July 21-23, 2026, represents one of the program's biggest highlights. Qualifying US participants will have the opportunity to showcase projects alongside fellow student builders, creators, engineers, and industry leaders attending one of AMD's premier AI events. This exposure to cutting-edge technologies and the collaborative spirit that drives modern innovation could shape career trajectories for thousands of young technologists.