This Engineer’s Week, we’re shining a spotlight on the inspiring partnership between Cirrus Logic and Code2College, which came to life during a recent Hackathon. The event brought together talented high school students and experienced engineers for a day of innovation, problem-solving, and mentorship. Kevin Nguyen, Senior Manager Platform Development Engineer at Cirrus Logic, shares insights on engineering’s evolving role, the challenges of mentorship, and the rewards of empowering the next generation.
Creating Opportunities for Future Innovators
Cirrus Logic has long been dedicated to fostering talent through hands-on events like Hackathons, with Kevin Nguyen leading the charge for the past two years. “We provide the project framework, facilities, and technical resources to create an environment where students can collaborate, innovate, and tackle real-world challenges as a team,” Kevin explained.
Supporting Code2College is particularly meaningful for Cirrus Logic. “Many of these students come from underrepresented backgrounds. By giving them early exposure to technical experience and problem-solving opportunities, we help open doors that might not have otherwise been accessible,” Kevin said. “Investing in these students not only shapes their future but also strengthens the broader tech community by fostering diverse and talented leaders.”
The Impact of Mentorship
At the Hackathon, students were paired with mentors from Cirrus Logic and NI, who guided them through the day’s challenges. “Our mentors played a crucial role in facilitating teamwork, breaking down complex projects, and providing technical guidance,” Kevin shared. The most impactful way engineers supported students was by empowering them to take ownership of their work. “By encouraging collaboration and structured problem-solving, we helped students build confidence and independent thinking.”
Hands-On Learning with Real-World Impact
One of the event’s highlights was the innovative projects that emerged. From a haptic-based piano to an audio visualizer and equalizer, the ideas were creative and ambitious. Ultimately, Cirrus Logic engineers developed a robotics course, offering students a hands-on introduction to engineering concepts.
“Seeing our hard work come together on Hackathon day and watching the students engage with the project made all the effort worthwhile,” Kevin said. Beyond technical skills, students gained invaluable experience in teamwork, communication, and adaptability.
The Future of Engineering
As the field of engineering evolves, driven by rapid advancements in AI, Kevin is optimistic about the future. “AI is streamlining the mundane aspects of engineering, enabling us to focus on higher-level problem-solving and innovation,” he said. He emphasized the importance of critical thinking and curiosity for young engineers, encouraging them to take advantage of opportunities like Code2College and experiment with real-world projects.
For Kevin, the most rewarding part of the Hackathon was witnessing students’ determination and growth. “They could spend their Saturday doing anything else, yet they choose to dedicate an entire day to solving challenges,” he said. “It’s inspiring to see them step outside their comfort zones and push themselves in new ways.”
A Commitment to Innovation
Cirrus Logic’s commitment to mentorship and innovation goes beyond Hackathons. Kevin’s own journey as an engineer reflects the same drive to solve complex problems and inspire others. His proudest moment? Leading the effort to transition Cirrus Logic’s lab infrastructure to Python, a major shift that transformed workflows and demonstrated the power of persistence and vision.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate Engineer’s Week, the partnership between Cirrus Logic and Code2College stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship and investing in future talent. Through events like the Hackathon, we’re not just shaping individual futures—we’re building a stronger, more inclusive tech community.
Pictured below are the talented high school students who participated in the hackathon!
