Major League Hacking (MLH) is excited to announce a new initiative to expand access to blockchain education and hands-on learning for next-gen developers worldwide, with a focus on Solana, the fastest-growing blockchain ecosystem.
We’re creating new ways for students and next-gen developers to learn, build, and explore the future of decentralized technology. As of December 2025, Solana will debut at MLH hackathons across the world, offering participants hands-on opportunities to experiment with blockchain development. Through workshops, technical challenges, and mentorship, developers will be able to gain practical experience building on Solana in a supportive environment designed for learning-by-doing.
Learning by Doing, Supported by Solana Technology
At MLH, our mission has always been to help developers learn by doing. This initiative builds directly on that philosophy by giving students access to the tools, resources, and guidance they need to turn ideas into real, deployable projects.
Solana’s debut at MLH hackathons represents more than a new track. It’s an invitation for student developers to join an active, global ecosystem. By bringing Solana technology directly into hackathon environments, we’re helping hackers take their first steps into blockchain development with the tools and mentorship to succeed.
Building Beyond the Hackathon: The Solana Micro-Grant Program
One of the most exciting parts of this initiative is the launch of the Solana Micro-Grant Program, coming later this year.
Through this initiative, MLH and Solana will award up to 75 developer micro-grants through December 2026, helping promising projects continue long after the hackathon weekend ends. These grants will support a wide range of projects, from developer tooling and educational templates to early-stage startups and public-good infrastructure that strengthen the Solana ecosystem.
In addition to funding, grant recipients will receive mentorship and community exposure, helping them grow their projects and connect with other builders in the Solana network. It’s another way MLH helps ensure that great ideas don’t just start at hackathons; they keep growing.
Expanding Hands-On Blockchain Education
The initiative will also extend to our Fellowship Program, where students will have opportunities to contribute directly to Solana-related open-source projects in place of a traditional internship. This means students won’t just learn how blockchain works. They’ll build real-world software that powers it.
Additional educational support, including workshops, developer challenges, and learning content, will help participants understand key concepts in Solana program development, payments, and AI.
A Global Opportunity for Builders
While the initial rollout focuses on North America, the initiative will soon expand globally through initiatives like 100 Days of Solana, an open developer learning challenge that invites hackers from around the world to explore blockchain development together.
This aligns with MLH’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion in tech. Our community already spans over one million student developers across 98 countries, and with Solana’s involvement, even more hackers will have access to cutting-edge tools, mentorship, and funding opportunities.
What This Means for the MLH Community
This initiative represents a natural evolution of MLH’s mission: to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world experience. By integrating Solana’s technology and developer ecosystem into MLH programs, we’re helping next-gen developers gain future-ready skills and the confidence to apply them in meaningful ways.
Get Involved
Want to start building on Solana at your next hackathon? Check out upcoming MLH events at mlh.io/events, and keep an eye out for the launch of the Solana Micro-Grant Program later this year.