Fifth Graders Code Their Future at Quantico’s Hack-a-Thon

On May 29, 2025, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA)  Americas Crossroads Elementary School at Marine Corps Base Quantico buzzed with excitement as fifth graders dove into the world of coding at the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) Hack-a-Thon. The event transformed a typical school day into a vibrant STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) adventure, introducing young learners to the power of technology through hands-on coding challenges.

Armed with micro:bit kits—pocket-sized programmable computers—and Chromebooks, the students tackled coding tasks that sparked creativity and collaboration. Guided by AFCEA representatives and their teachers, they wrote code, debugged programs, and watched their ideas come to life.

“It was great seeing students try something new and stay focused, even when it got tricky,” said Mrs. Nicholson, a fifth-grade teacher.

The event wasn’t just about coding; it was about planting seeds for future innovation. “We’re proud to support students as they explore coding and problem-solving,” said Mr. Lemming, another fifth-grade teacher. A pizza lunch and drawstring grab bags added a festive touch, keeping spirits high. “I think the kids really enjoyed the event!” said Tom Holecek, an AFCEA representative.

The AFCEA Hack-a-Thon is part of a broader push to integrate STEAM education into early learning, a priority for preparing students for a tech-driven future. According to a report from the U.S. Department of Education, jobs in STEAM fields are projected to grow over 10% through 2030, significantly outpacing non-STEAM occupations. Events like the Hack-a-Thon expose students to these opportunities early, fostering skills like critical thinking and teamwork that are essential for careers in technology and beyond.

For military families at Quantico, such programs carry added significance. “Events like this give our kids a head start in understanding technology, which is critical in today’s world,” said Dr. Lynsey Lee, Assistant Principal at Crossroads ES. DoDEA Americas emphasizes STEAM to ensure military-connected students are ready for global challenges, aligning with the needs of government and defense stakeholders who rely on a tech-savvy workforce.

The Hack-a-Thon’s impact extends beyond the classroom. By making coding accessible and fun, it demystifies technology for young learners, encouraging them to see themselves as future innovators. Crossroads Elementary plans to host more such events, building on this success to nurture a love for learning and technology. As one student exclaimed while debugging a program, “This is hard, but it’s so cool!”—a sentiment that captures the promise of STEAM for the next generation.