Despite being inland, Acton faces recurring flooding issues, including on the boardwalks that wind through its conservation lands and local byways. In response, a new community initiative — the Acton Flood Solutions Hackathon — is inviting middle and high school students to develop creative, science-based strategies to address the problem. Organizers say there’s still time to sign up for the September 30 Zoom information session and register by October 3 at absteam.org/hackathon.
AB STEAM (Acton Boxborough Science Technology Engineering Art Math), in partnership with the Town of Acton Conservation and Sustainability Office and EnergizeActon.org, invites students in grades 7–12 to form or join a team to take part in a Hackathon focused on flood-prevention solutions for Acton’s conservation land and flood-prone areas. Each team should comprise 3 to 6 students plus an adult mentor. Participants will gain volunteer service hours, STEAM leadership experience, perks, and the chance to win awards. The program is supported by a technical services grant from the Integral Charitable Foundation.
A “hackathon” is an event where teams of individuals with diverse skills collaborate to tackle a specific real-world problem. The term originally applied to computer coding challenges, but is now used more broadly. The Acton Flood Solutions Hackathon is “pretty unique,” said Ruchi Jain, STEM professional, AB STEAM volunteer, and lead for DiscoverSTEM 2025. Unlike typical “20-hour Hackathons,” the extended 6-month format will give students plenty of time to develop “soft [people] skills and give younger and older kids real-world STEM experience.”
The August 19 Hackathon kickoff, filmed by Acton TV, included a walking tour of flood-prone areas, from Gardner Field to Heath Hen Meadow boardwalk led by Ian Bergemann and Lauren West from Acton’s Conservation and Sustainability Offices. Bergemann says the Hackathon will “involve youth in a real-world problem.” West notes that the role of the Town will be to provide consulting on flooding and help work with the community to come up with solutions.
Aasma Gilani, AB STEAM communication secretary, sees the AB STEAM Flood Solutions Hackathon as a chance to create awareness about the potential for flooding in town, despite the fact that Acton is not on the coast. After a microburst hit Acton a few years ago, this topic came up as a serious concern.
Karen Root-Watkins, a lead for EnergizeActon.org, said, “The Hackathon fits in with Energize Acton’s mission of educating the community about actions we can take to decarbonize. With storms becoming more intense, we support this Acton flood solutions effort to keep the public as educated and resilient as possible.” Matt Mostoller, Acton Water District Manager, shares the concern about local flooding because “flooding can not only harm water quality but also pipes can be washed out and facilities become inaccessible due to flooding. So, we want to make sure that any local flooding solutions address water issues.”
Key Hackathon Dates
- August 19, 2025 – Kickoff with walking tour of flood-prone areas and ice cream from West Acton Creamery. Watch the Acton TV launch video.
- September 30, 2025 – Hackathon Launch Main Info session (required) on ZOOM at 6 p.m. Find the link at www.absteam.org/hackathon.
- October 3, 2025 – Final date to sign up or join a Hackathon team.
- January 2026 – In-person Hackathon presentations. Judging details & location to be announced on www.absteam.org/hackathon. The Town of Acton hopes to incorporate elements of the winning team solution(s).
AB STEAM (formerly AB PIP STEM) celebrated 25 years by becoming an official 501(c)3 nonprofit with an expanded mission to provide free family-oriented, math, science, engineering, art, and math activities and events. AB STEAM collaborates with parents, schools, community leaders and business partners. To join or learn more, visit www.ABSTEAM.org or the AB STEAM booth at the Acton Children’s Business Fair on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m. at NARA Park.
Janice M. Ward is a writer, photographer, and founder of acanthi.com, a technical writing and web design firm. She co-founded the Genetics of Design blog, cited by leading journals including ArchDaily, Fast Company, and Planning Magazine. Honored with the Massachusetts Unsung Heroines Award in 2015, she has served as content designer and webmaster for AB STEAM for 25 years.
KJ Herther is coach and founder of AB STEAM and a member of EnergizeActon.org. She too was honored by the Massachusetts Commission on The Status of Women, in part for her contributions to STEM education.