> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hackdays-guide.mlh.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hackdays-guide.mlh.com/partner-programs/github.md).

# GitHub Copilot

Challenge guidance, participant resources, opening materials, and judging requirements for GitHub Copilot Hack Days.

**Last reviewed:** August 2026

GitHub supports Major League Hacking and the Hack Days program by helping hackers collaborate and turn ideas into working software. GitHub Copilot adds AI assistance to the development workflow so participants can learn unfamiliar tools and spend more time building their core project.

## Best Hack Built with GitHub Copilot

Turn your wildest ideas into reality faster than ever. Whether you’re trying a brand-new framework for the first time or cranking through complex logic, GitHub Copilot acts as your AI pair programmer to give you superpowers. How can Copilot help you build?

* **Code from natural language.** Describe what you want to build in a simple comment and watch Copilot generate a starting point.
* **Learn technology on the fly.** Use Copilot to explore a programming language, framework, or API you have never used before.
* **Skip the tedious work.** Generate boilerplate code, regular expressions, SQL queries, or unit tests so you can focus on the heart of your project.

Turn your idea into something real, and be sure to explain in your README or demo video how GitHub Copilot helped you build it.

## Participant Resources

Students get GitHub Copilot free through the GitHub Student Developer Pack. Use [mlh.link/GitHub](https://mlh.link/GitHub) for fast-tracked access. If student verification is still pending, hackers can use the available free tier or trial to start building.

## Opening Ceremony

Use the [GitHub Copilot opening ceremony deck](https://mlh.link/hackdays-github-slides). Remove any example category that was not assigned to your event.

## Judging Evidence

Confirm that the winning project used GitHub Copilot and that the team explains how Copilot helped in its README or demo video.

## Expected Prize

**Wireless Headphones**

Check your event's onboarding materials before sharing prize details with participants, as availability may vary by region.

## Recording the Winner

Follow [Closing Ceremony and Winner Declaration](/run-your-event/closing-ceremony-and-winner-declaration.md) to record the winner before announcing the result.