Frequently Asked Questions

Decode is a YSWS program made by students, for students. We want to help you learn how everyday tech works, AND give you the opportunity to create your own versions of those devices.

Anyone under 18 can apply! Just join the Hack Club Slack before submitting the form (we gotta contact you!). If you're over 18, you can still build any project, but you won't be eligible for funding. Feel free to share what you build in the #decode or #ships channels though!

Funding amounts vary depending the tier you are submitting for (this sets the maximum amount you can receive), and the amount of hours spent on the project (tracked with hackatime). For L1 tier, you can receive up to $100. For L2 Custom tier, the maximum depends on your project and time spent (but in 99% of the cases, never more than $250).

It depends on the number of applications we get, but we'll try to review any application within 1-2 business days. Your grant will also be processed and sent through an HCB card at around that time (maybe a few hours later depending on when you submitted the application).

No! You should use the guides as a starting point, and edit as much as you want! In fact, even for the L1 tier, you have to add your own unique features or modifications to the projects. The more original your project, the better!

Yeah! Feel free to apply for funding for multiple different projects. However, you can only follow each specific guide once, and you can only have one grant at a time. While you can submit multiple applications at the same time, those will only be processed and delivered (if approved) one at a time, after you finish the project you were working on.

That's what the L2 Custom tier is for! If you have an original project idea or want to significantly modify one of our suggested devices, this tier is for you!

Our projects can be built by people from any level. Each guide includes the estimated time and skills that might be required, so you can choose a project that matches your desired level.

Funding is based on several factors: first of all, the tier you apply for (L1 or L2 Custom), which sets the maximum amount you can receive. Then, we look at the time you spent on your project, which is tracked using hackatime. The more time you spend, the more funding you can receive, up to the maximum for your tier. If your project is very complex, we could give you a bit more than the one set by the hours you spent ($5/hour), but do not expect that to happen a lot (due to the limited budget we have).

Funding is ONLY for purchasing project-related materials/components. When you receive the HCB card, you will need to upload recepits for all purchases made with it. We do not allow using the funding for anything else, such as personal expenses or unrelated projects.

In some cases, yes. If you encounter unexpected costs, you can submit a request for additional funding with an explanation. As we're funded by Hack Club, we will need to ask them for approval, so please be reasonable with your requests.

Once you finish the checklist for a project in its guide (or the L2 Custom tier page), a form link will appear! Click on it to open the form, fill it out with your project details, and submit it. Make sure to include all required information, such as project description, time spent, and your repo link.

If your project is not approved, we will provide feedback on how to improve it. You can always apply again after 2 days with a revised project or a new idea.

A secret dark organization of hidden hackers... Nah, I'm joking. Decode is run by me, Dan (same name on Slack), and supported by the Y(SWS) program. I'm very passionate about helping other students learn how tech works, and I'm excited to see what you all build!

My biggest passion has always been to help people around the world with whatever I do. When I saw the opportunity to create this program, I jumped on it. I hope that you all enjoy Decode, and I'm hoping to see you all again in a future program!

Join the #decode channel on the Hack Club Slack! We'll be happy to help you with anything.

Yeah! Just make sure to clearly document each person's contributions in your project README file, and to know that the funds will only be sent to one person (the one you choose and specify in the form).

As the time where our YSWS ends is fixed, you will have to wait for a Decode v2 or a future YSWS made by us to apply with your project.