By students, for students: Hack TUES inspires innovation and IT learning

By project SKYLA

Published on 21 February 2025

Bulgaria

Yugozapaden

About this good practice

Hack TUES is a 3-day students-to-students hackathon organized by 11th-grade students (aged 16-17) from the Electronic Systems Technology School (TUES), a public school at the Technical University of Sofia. Guided by the TUES Alumni Association (AATUES), an NGO uniting alumni, students, teachers, and supporters, Hack TUES fosters innovation and collaboration.
In Bulgaria, bridging the gap between theoretical education and practical IT industry skills is a challenge. To address this, AATUES launched Hack TUES in 2015 to enhance students’ teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving abilities while developing critical soft skills like communication and organization, highly sought by employers.
Students manage all aspects of the event, including fundraising, logistics, and public relations, gaining hands-on leadership experience. The hackathon focuses on societal themes such as sustainability, smart schools, or civic technologies, encouraging participants to create solutions like machine learning tools or educational games.
Stakeholders include TUES students and a 1,000+ alumni network. Students apply knowledge, enhance skills, and network with professionals. Alumni and IT companies mentor participants or act as jurors while sponsoring the event to ensure industry relevance.
Hack TUES is recognized by UNESCO-UNEVOC as a promising practice of “by students, for students” approach in VET education.

Expert opinion

Hack TUES is a three-day, student-led hackathon organised by 11th-grade students (aged 16-17) from the Electronic Systems Technology School (TUES), a public school at the Technical University of Sofia. Guided by the TUES Alumni Association (AATUES), an NGO uniting alumni, students, and teachers, it fosters innovation and collaboration. To bridge the gap between theoretical education and practical IT skills in Bulgaria, AATUES launched Hack TUES in 2015 to enhance teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving, while developing soft skills like communication and organisation. Students manage all aspects of the event, gaining leadership experience. With industry sponsorship, mentors, and a 1,000+ alumni network, participants apply knowledge, develop solutions, and network with professionals. Recognised by UNESCO-UNEVOC, this good practice offers a “by students, for students” approach in Vocational Education and Training (VET) and can be replicated in large cities with a critical mass of high school students, mentors, and IT companies.

Arnault Morisson

Works at Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform

Resources needed

Hack TUES is organized annually by a team of 12–15 TUES students with guidance from AATUES. Supported by 60-70 mentors, including alumni and IT companies, it covers costs like venues, equipment, awards, materials, and refreshments, often sponsored by the stakeholders.

Evidence of success

Hack TUES was recognized by UNESCO-UNEVOC for its innovation in linking technology, VET and soft skills education with industry needs. For its ten editions (2015-2024), it had a gradient participation to reach an average of 400 students in 70 teams, 70 mentors, 35 jurors and 30 IT companies in recent years. A 2022 survey of TUES students found that 85% consider the hackathon essential to their education, with over 50% willing to volunteer for the leadership team.

Potential for learning or transfer

The event is organized by 11th grade students, giving them ownership and hands-on experience in logistics, teamwork, and creativity - skills applicable to any educational setting. Active collaboration with industry sponsors, mentors, and alumni ensures the event's relevance to workforce needs. Such partnerships can be replicated to strengthen similar initiatives. The hackathon format is adaptable to different institutions, industries, and societal issues. The success of Hack TUES is rooted in TUES' proactive culture and strong ties to the IT industry through its alumni network. Regions lacking these ecosystems may need to build such connections first.
Student organizers face the challenge of balancing schoolwork and event planning. Time management training and support from teachers and alumni help them cope with responsibilities. Sometimes new students are hesitant to participate, but mentoring sessions and teamwork create inclusive conditions.