City of Austin

The City of Austin is inviting local youth to take part in a six-week design challenge to help shape the future of “third spaces”—safe, welcoming places outside of home and school where kids can hang out, connect and thrive. 

The Third Spaces: Create to Code Challenge, hosted in partnership with the Bloomberg Philanthropies City Data Alliance initiative, kicks off this December and invites youth to prototype a digital tool (website or app) that helps kids discover and access third spaces across Austin. 

Participants will explore features like:

• Finding youth-friendly spaces based on interests
• Planning routes using public transit
• Rating and sharing experiences to help improve City services
• Promoting inclusivity so kids of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities feel like they belong

This is a creative challenge, not just a tech one. Youth don’t need to build a fully working app. Ideas can be shared through drawings, storyboards, videos or other creative formats. No coding experience is required, just imagination and a desire to make Austin better for all young people.  

Youth can work solo or in teams, and no prior experience is required. Final projects are due January 11, 2026. Everyone who completes the challenge will be recognized at a Third Spaces: Create to Code Design Showcase hosted by the Mayor’s Office in early 2026.  

Youth can sign up now at any time at https://forms.office.com/g/APbCn1wnAV.

For more information, contact CreateToCode@AustinTexas.Gov or visit the Create to Code Challenge page.