MLH’s Blockchain Education Initiative: Solana’s Future Stars

Major League Hacking (MLH), a non-profit organization that has been democratizing access to coding education for over a decade, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking initiative aimed at accelerating blockchain education and hands-on learning for next-generation developers worldwide. This new partnership focuses specifically on Solana, the rapidly growing blockchain ecosystem that has been gaining momentum in the industry. By integrating Solana technology into MLH programs, students and developers will have access to cutting-edge tools, mentorship, and funding opportunities, helping them turn their ideas into tangible, deployable projects.

As of December 2025, Solana will debut at MLH hackathons across the world, offering participants hands-on opportunities to experiment with blockchain development. Through interactive 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 providing students with 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 aspects of this initiative is the launch of the Solana Micro-Grant Program, scheduled to commence later this year.

Through this program, MLH and Solana will award up to 75 developer micro-grants from December 2025 to December 2026, supporting promising projects that extend beyond the hackathon weekend. These grants will cater to a wide range of projects, from developer tooling and educational templates to early-stage startups and public-good infrastructure that strengthen the Solana ecosystem.

Grant recipients will not only receive funding but also mentorship and community exposure, helping them to grow their projects and connect with other builders in the Solana network. This is another way MLH ensures that great ideas don’t just originate at hackathons; they continue to evolve and grow.

Expanding Hands-On Blockchain Education

The initiative willalso extend to our Fellowship Program, where students will have the opportunity to contribute directly to Solana-related open-source projects instead of engaging in a traditional internship. This means students won’t just learn how blockchain works; they’ll build real-world software that powers it.

In addition, educational support, including workshops, developer challenges, and learning content, will be made available to participants, helping them grasp key concepts in Solana program development, payments, and AI.

A Global Opportunity for Builders

Although 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 inviting 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-generation 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.

FAQs

Q: What is Solana, and why is it integral to this initiative?

A: Solana is a blockchain ecosystem designed for scalability, speed, and security. Its integration into MLH programs offers developers hands-on experience with cutting-edge blockchain technology.

Q: How does the Solana Micro-Grant Program work?

A: The Solana Micro-Grant Program will award up to 75 grants from December 2025 to December 2026, supporting various projects that contribute to the Solana ecosystem. Grant recipients will also receive mentorship and community exposure.

Q: What does the Fellowship Program entail?

A: The Fellowship Program will give students the opportunity to contribute directly to Solana-related open-source projects, replacing traditional internships. This approach enables students to build real-world software and apply their knowledge practically.

Q: Is this initiative accessible to hackers worldwide?

A: Initially focusing on North America, the initiative will expand globally through initiatives like 100 Days of Solana, ensuring access to cutting-edge tools, mentorship, and funding opportunities for developers worldwide.

Q: What is the fate of the Solana Micro-Grant Program after its initial term?

A: The future of the Solana Micro-Grant Program will be assessed after its initial term, with the possibility of expansion or modification depending on the progress of the initiatives and the community’s feedback.