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It's a really exciting time to be building things on the Internet. Whether you're building micro-apps to empower your education, instant slide decks for anything, an instant app for literally anything, or inventing your own text-to-prototype games, and you can deploy a Python app without understanding how Python works.
In other words, the only barrier to entry today seems to be your imagination.
That’s exactly what we want to showcase for NYC public high school students at this year’s CS Fair in NYC on April 2, 2025. Co-produced by Tech:NYC and Gotham Gives, the CS Fair brings together 2,000 high school students to explore careers in tech through hands-on experiences with industry leaders. Think of it as a science fair meets career fair—featuring 20-30 top NYC tech companies, nonprofit and educational partners, and a glimpse into what’s next in emerging technology.
This year, I'm volunteering to help produce a special No-Code Builder Hub, which will showcase emergent builders using AI-powered no-code tools, offering students a chance to create, prototype, and engage with cutting-edge technology.
We're actively looking for volunteers to work this room and get the next generation of builders excited about what's possible in this AI-powered age.
This year's emerging tech room will be centered around what's possible to build with no-code or low-code AI powered tools. The room will have two components:
💡 Company Demo Tables – Industry leaders showcase no-code and AI-powered projects, giving students a firsthand look at how these tools are used in real-world innovation.
🚀 The Imagination Station – A hands-on space where students experiment with AI-driven no-code tools, brainstorming and building app concepts with guidance from volunteer mentors.
Since students come to the CS Fair from schools across all five boroughs of New York City, representation matters. When they see volunteers, founders, and companies that reflect their backgrounds and experiences, it reinforces that the also can fit into the world of technology and innovation. That's a big deal.
Diverse representation makes AI and no-code tools more accessible and inspiring, helping students envision themselves as future builders, problem-solvers, and leaders. I'm excited to see what the next generation of apps will look like—especially as they're being built by creators who don’t fit the traditional mold of a classically trained software engineer.
We’re looking for volunteers to join us in NYC from 9 AM - 3 PM to inspire the next generation of builders. Here’s how you can help:
Show off your own company or project at a table in the room, talk about how you're building with no-code or low-code tools
Answer questions for students (and teachers!) in the room about emerging tech trends (particularly, things like AI, web3, and other new concepts)
Guide students through app creation at the Imagination Station, where we'll have prompt-based starter examples of apps to build and show how to go from 0 to 1 in app creation in minutes
So if you're building no-code or low-code apps with AI, we'd love to have you join us. Drop me a line at bethany@technyc.org, and I'll get you connected. Hope to see you there!
🎉Calling all NYC Builders! I’m looking for volunteers for the annual CS Fair in NYC on April 2. This event brings 2k high school students and their teachers to a “science fair meets career fair” style event to inspire kids about jobs in tech This year I’m producing a No-Code Builder Hub to show how anyone can build apps in this AI age. We’re looking for volunteers from companies to demo what they are building and individuals to guide students through prompt-based building on no-code platforms. More details here, DC me if you want to join! https://hardmodefirst.xyz/volunteer-for-the-no-code-builder-hub-in-nyc-at-the-cs-fair-in-nyc-on-april-2
This is great! I’m interested in volunteering
Yessssss sending you a DC now 🙏💻
I'm interested
Amaaaazing!!! 🤩 Sending you a DC to coordinate
I'll be there
Our first confirmed AI volunteer!!!
Join @bethanymarz at the upcoming CS Fair in NYC on April 2, 2025, where students will explore the world of tech through hands-on experiences. The No-Code Builder Hub will feature AI-powered tools, providing unique opportunities to inspire future innovators. Volunteers are welcome!