This research paper details the growth of an informal experiential learning program around hackathons and makeathons and presents the evolution of the program as a model of a successful co-curricular approach in engineering education. After six years of growing an informal learning program from a single hackathon event of 100 attendees to a complete experiential learning platform (OHI/O) consisting of over twelve events, sustained industry engagement, scholarships, and building a successful and stable team of student leaders, the authors will share and gather feedback on the development and evolution of the program.Publisher does not allow open access until after publicatio
