From Trenton to Microsoft: VPG Students Take on a Hackathon

When 25 high school students from Trenton boarded a bus bound for Microsoft’s Burlington, Massachusetts campus, few imagined how much their outlook on the future was about to change.

Hosted by Microsoft and supported by Visionary Philanthropy Group (VPG), the two-day hackathon challenged students to think like innovators—combining creativity, teamwork, and tech to solve real-world problems.

For most participants, it was their first experience working in a corporate tech environment, collaborating alongside engineers and developers who looked like them and believed in their potential.

The event was more than a coding exercise—it was a confidence-building experience that helped students see themselves as capable creators, not just consumers of technology. As one student said, “I never thought I’d belong in a place like this. Now I can’t wait to come back as an intern.”

Through partnerships like this, VPG continues to redefine what’s possible for young people in underserved communities—proving that innovation has no zip code.