Edit index.md — Young Builder Resources

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# young builder resources

this is not a generic resource guide. this is what I (Harrison) have actually done, what I learned, and what I'd tell someone walking the same path.

I'm a high school builder in the Bay Area. I've won 3.5 out of 5 hackathons, placed 2nd nationally at USAYPT, interned at a neurotech startup as their youngest hire, founded a Socratica chapter, published EEG research targeting IEEE TBME, and competed in more math/science competitions than I can count. I've also applied to programs I didn't get into (hi, RSI) and haven't raised a single dollar in formal funding.

everything in this wiki is from personal experience. if I haven't done it, I say so.

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## philosophy

- [[anti-pipeline-manifesto|the anti-pipeline manifesto]] — why I chose growth over position, and why the standard pipeline is the most crowded lane
- [[learning-paths|learning paths]] — my philosophy on learning by building. no courses, pull from resources, build things. specific paths for ML, web dev, hardware, research.

## what you can do

- [[competitions-hackathons|competitions & hackathons]] — every competition I've entered, how I did, and what I learned. hackathon advice from actually winning.
- [[math-modeling|math modeling]] — the most underrated competitions for builders. HiMCM, MCM/ICM, M3 Challenge, MTFC, IMMC — and why modeling skills transfer to everything.
- [[mun-debate|MUN & debate]] — how arguing, presenting, and thinking on your feet transfers to pitching, selling, and fundraising.
- [[shipping-products|shipping products]] — you can build and ship real software with real users. the free stack, the process, and why products are your best credential.
- [[hardware-projects|hardware projects]] — you can build physical things. Arduino → ESP32 → PCB design → integrated projects.
- [[design-engineering|design engineering]] — physical design and fabrication. makerspaces, CAD, prototyping, and how to access tools.
- [[publishing-research|publishing research]] — you can publish real research as a teen. how to find a PI, the process, journals, and the Davidson Fellows path.
- [[creative-work|creative work]] — video, music, writing. creative outlets are real builder credentials and competition entries.
- [[open-source|open source]] — contributing to open source is the most meritocratic environment. nobody cares about your age, only your code.
- [[giving-talks|giving talks]] — you can present your work publicly. Socratica 5mof, conferences, hackathon demos, and the confidence flywheel.
- [[personal-infrastructure|personal infrastructure]] — building your own tools teaches you more than any course. solve your own problems.

## how to get there

- [[summer-programs|summer programs & internships]] — I-Lab, Math in the Mountains, TKS, a neurotech startup. how I cold-emailed my way into a neurotech startup.
- [[work-experience|work experience]] — startup internships via cold email, research assistant roles, paid work, and freelancing. you don't need formal programs.
- [[communities|communities]] — the communities I'm actually in: Socratica (founded), Hack Club, Sunday Dinners, AGI House, Incepto House, and more.
- [[mentorship-networking|mentorship & networking]] — how to cold-email, build relationships, and find mentors without being cringe.
- [[funding-grants|funding & grants]] — an honest account: I haven't done formal funding. here's what I've earned and why I haven't needed more yet.
- [[knowledge-management|knowledge management]] — building a personal knowledge system that compounds. notes, spaced repetition, CRM, reflection.
- [[tools-stack|tools & stack]] — the exact tools I use daily. Claude Code (500+ sessions), Vercel, Cloudflare, Supabase, and the $0 stack.

## other opportunities (haven't done these)

directory of competitions, programs, and awards i haven't personally done but are worth knowing about. brief listings — go look them up if interested.

- [[other-olympiads|other olympiads & math competitions]] — USACO, Putnam, ARML, Math Kangaroo, and more.
- [[other-writing-competitions|writing competitions]] — literary competitions beyond Scholastic.
- [[other-entrepreneurship-competitions|entrepreneurship competitions]] — business/startup competitions for high schoolers.
- [[other-awards-scholarships|awards, scholarships & fellowships]] — honors and funding worth knowing about.