Getting Started with Web3 Basics

Hey hackers! Ready to dive into the exciting world of web3 for your hackathon project? This guide will walk you through some awesome resources to help you get started, learn the basics, and actually build something cool over the weekend. No complex jargon here—just straightforward info to get you coding!

You've probably heard about the University of Ethereum self-paced course we have linked on our site. It's a great foundation if you're just starting out! The course covers the fundamentals of the Ethereum ecosystem and blockchain concepts in a way that's actually understandable.

Learning Blockchain Programming Languages

EasyA is another resource we've highlighted that helps you learn different blockchain programming languages. Whether you're interested in Solidity (for Ethereum), Rust (for Solana), or other languages, EasyA provides interactive tutorials that make learning these languages much less intimidating.

NFT Exploration with OpenSea

Let's talk about NFTs! OpenSea has an excellent learning module that breaks down what NFTs are and how they work. During our workshop, we'll do a quick activity exploring the OpenSea marketplace:

• Creating a wallet

• Browsing collections

• Understanding gas fees and minting

• Seeing how artists and creators use the platform

This hands-on experience will help you understand how NFTs could potentially fit into your hackathon project. Let's take a look at a digital asset portfolio on Opensea

Building with Alchemy

Alchemy is a game-changer for hackathon projects! Think of it as your blockchain toolkit with:

• APIs that let you interact with different blockchains

• SDKs for web, mobile, and Unity development

• NFT APIs to create, mint, and manage NFTs

• Monitoring tools to track your app's performance

The best part? Alchemy has starter templates you can clone and customize, which is perfect for the time constraints of a hackathon.

Collaborative Coding Environments

When you're working with teammates, having the right environment to code together makes all the difference:

• Ohara lets you "vibe code" together in real-time, perfect for pair programming on blockchain projects, especially games

• Replit offers collaborative coding environments with built-in support for web3 development

• Gitpod provides cloud development environments that everyone on your team can access

Quick-Start Project Ideas

Short on time? Here are some web3 project ideas that are actually doable in a hackathon timeframe:

1. Simple Dapp with Wallet Connection: Create a web app that connects to MetaMask and displays user balances

2. NFT Minting Page: Build a page where users can mint a custom NFT

3. Token Swap Interface: Create a simple interface for swapping between different tokens

4. DAO Voting Mechanism: Develop a basic voting system for a decentralized autonomous organization

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Scope creep: Start small and add features later

• Gas fees: Use testnets to avoid real transaction costs during development

• Complex smart contracts: Keep your contracts simple for hackathon purposes

• Forgetting private keys: Always back up your development keys and use test accounts

Resources to Keep Handy

• Ethereum Developer Documentation: For quick reference on smart contract development

• OpenZeppelin: For secure smart contract templates

• Hardhat/Truffle: Development environments for testing your contracts

• Etherscan/Block Explorers: To verify your transactions and contracts

Wrap-Up

Web3 development might seem overwhelming at first, but with these resources, you've got everything you need to build something awesome during the hackathon! Remember, the key is to start small, learn as you go, and have fun experimenting with these new technologies.

🔴 TONIGHT! : Teens4LA founders Aliyah and Kyle join LA CHECKIN livestream benefit alongside will.i.am and global music icons.

The Annenberg Foundation, in collaboration with global music icons will.i.am, D-Nice, and DJ Hed, actor-philanthropist Etienne Maurice (WalkGood LA), and the i.am Angel Foundation, proudly presents LA CHECK IN — a livestream benefit supporting individuals and organizations impacted by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
LIVE from will.i.am’s FYI Campus:

• Friday, January 17, from 6 P.M. PT / 9 P.M. ET

• Tune in to hear how our teen leaders are innovating crisis response and creating paths for long-term community resilience 7:30PM PST  at https://annenberg.org/lacheckin/

Please share - every viewer helps amplify youth voices making real change.

#LACheckin #Teens4LA #CommunityAction

Hey everyone,

A big thank you for your continued support! We're mobilizing students in neighboring communities and across the nation. In case you missed it, Aliyah shared his story on KEYT News, speaking live from Dunn School about what inspired Teens4LA. Check it out here:

We're also excited to share that Walk Good LA has been added as a recipient organization to our donation options on Pledge.

Founded during the 2020 George Floyd protests, they've been a pillar of strength in LA communities through their all-ages yoga and wellness programs. They're now offering free community programs that teens, families, and individuals affected by the fires can access for support and healing. You can find their welcoming community space at 4019 W Pico Blvd or visit www.walkgoodla.org - parents and adults, please share this resource with those who might need it.

While media coverage has focused on celebrity homes, these fires have devastated many hardworking families, particularly in culturally diverse and predominantly Black communities like Altadena. Every dollar raised will help provide mental health and skill development resources and services for youth across LA. We're proud to support community anchors like Walk Good LA who understand these needs deeply. This crisis has no boundaries, and neither does our support. 💪

Join Aliyah and the Teens 4 LA crew this Friday at 8am PST on TimePieces and TimesforKids X spaces to learn more about our ongoing efforts and how you can help.

#Teens4LA #LAFireRelief #CommunityStrong

When two LA high school students watched the Palisades and Eaton fires transform their community, they did what young people do in times of crisis – they reached out to trusted adults in their lives.

Their parents connected with Another Awesome Day (AAD), Y3K non-profit partner focused on teen suicide awareness and prevention. This connection sparked a movement that bridges traditional community response with web3 innovation.

TEENS 4 LA: Meet Aliyah and Kyle

A Network of Trust Activates

The partnership between AAD and Y3K Community, which grew from USC and UCLA roots, demonstrates how decentralized networks can rapidly mobilize for local impact. While AAD brings proven experience in supporting youth mental health, Y3K adds the power of web3 tools to expand our reach and effectiveness.

Multi-Channel Support System

Traditional Relief Channels: Bring physical donations to support our dynamic disaster relief response

• Santa Barbara County: [Details coming]

• Pasadena location: [Details coming]

Through our decentralized network: You can donate directly to selected organizations

• Crypto and fiat donations via pledge.to/teens4la-firerelief

• Transparent fund distribution across:

  • Project HOPE's immediate disaster relief

  • LAFD Foundation's ongoing response

  • Youth-led local donation coordination

Mental Health: Another Awesome Day's Core Mission

AAD has long recognized that environmental disasters can trigger mental health crises in young people. During traumatic events like these fires, having established support systems becomes crucial.

If you or someone you know is struggling, caring people are available 24/7 to listen and help. You can call or text 988 to reach the National Crisis Hotline, text HOME to 741741 to connect with Crisis Text Line, or contact The Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 for LGBTQ+ youth support. These services are completely free and confidential, with trained counselors who understand what teens are going through. Remember, reaching out shows strength, and you don't need to be sure if your problem is "serious enough" - if you're worried or hurting, that's reason enough to connect with someone who wants to help.

Understanding Trauma Response & The Power of Breath

When facing traumatic events like natural disasters, our bodies can get stuck in survival mode.

Your Brain on Trauma: During crisis moments, you might experience:

• Racing thoughts and difficulty focusing

• Feeling disconnected from your surroundings

• Overwhelming emotions or emotional numbness

• Physical tension and restlessness

• Sleep disruption and heightened alertness
  
  
  Why Breath Works: Research shows that conscious breathing directly impacts our vagus nerve - the body's main "calm down" signal. Just 2-3 minutes of structured breathing can help you regain a sense of control by:

• Interrupting the trauma response cycle

• Reducing hyperarousal symptoms

• Helping ground you in the present moment

• Creating a buffer between trigger and reaction

Simple Trauma Response Techniques:

1. Notice & Name: Recognize when you're feeling overwhelmed

2. Find Your Breath: Place one hand on your chest, one on your belly

(1) Square Breath

(2) Fist Breath

These techniques can be done anywhere, anytime you feel triggered or overwhelmed. It's a practical tool that helps create space between the trauma response and your actions - giving you back a sense of choice and control.

Y3K: Bridging Traditional Aid with Digital Innovation

While AAD provides mental health support infrastructure, Y3K empowers youth with digital tools for crisis resilience. Our free, self-paced resources at https://membrz.club/y3k include:

Digital Empowerment Tools

• Step-by-step crypto wallet setup guides

• Self paced guided learning about crypto, blockchain, smart contracts, and the web3 ecosystem

Why Alternative Payment Systems Matter

In times of crisis, traditional banking systems can face significant disruptions. Cryptocurrency has emerged as a powerful tool for humanitarian response according to recent World Economic Forum research¹:

Speed and Accessibility:

• Crypto transfers complete in minutes vs. 3-5 business days for traditional banking

• 24/7 availability, regardless of bank holidays or business hours

• Relief funds can reach affected areas even when local banking infrastructure is compromised

Real Impact: During the 2023 Turkey earthquake relief efforts, crypto donations enabled emergency response teams to:

• Deploy critical supplies within hours rather than days

• Reduce administrative costs by 50%

• Connect donors from 60+ countries to local relief efforts²

This technology allows our community to receive support from anywhere in the world, instantly and transparently. Whether you're in Los Angeles or London, you can contribute to relief efforts within minutes.

¹ World Economic Forum. (2023). "Crypto in Crisis: Digital Assets in Humanitarian Response" ² CryptoRelief.org Impact Report 2023

Community Gathering: This Sunday

Join us on X (@Y3Kquest) where AAD mental health advocates and Y3K community leaders come together for:

• Guided stress management techniques

• Resource sharing

• Community support network building

• Action planning

Ways to Engage

• Text TEENS4LA to 70707

• Visit pledge.to/teens4la-firerelief

• Follow @Y3Kquest and @AnotherAwesomeDay1 on Instagram

• Share mental health resources

The Power of Connected Communities

What started as two students reaching out to trusted adults has evolved into a demonstration of modern community resilience. Through AAD's community connections and Y3K's digital innovation, we're showing how decentralized networks can respond to local crises with global support.

Every donation, whether through traditional channels or cryptocurrency, strengthens our ability to support young people when they need it most. This is more than disaster response – it's community building for the future.

Together in action, The Y3K Community & Another Awesome Day Team

If you or someone you know needs immediate support, text 988 for 24/7 crisis assistance.

Ever tried picking a backpack for school?

You want something reliable, easy to use, and secure. Choosing a crypto wallet is pretty similar! Let's break down the main types and some popular options so you can find your perfect match.

Hot vs. Cold: What's the Deal?

Hot wallets are like having your money in a payment app – always connected and ready to go. Cold wallets? They're more like having an ultra-secure digital vault that stays offline. Each has its place in your crypto strategy.

Popular Hot Wallets:

• MetaMask: The OG of crypto wallets. If you're diving into NFTs or exploring different blockchains, MetaMask is your best friend. It's basically the main character of web3. Have a Metamask wallet? Claim a FREE Y3K domain handle to send and receive crypto with ease, courtesy of our friends at FIO. Remember protect your identity and don't use your real name!

• Rainbow: Think of it as the aesthetic choice – clean design, super intuitive, and makes managing your crypto actually enjoyable. Perfect if you want something that doesn't feel like dealing with traditional finance.

• Phantom: The go-to for anything Solana. If you're into Solana NFTs or DeFi, Phantom makes everything smooth and seamless. Plus, its mobile app is chef's kiss.

• Trust Wallet: The multi-tool of crypto wallets. Supports pretty much every coin you can think of and works seamlessly with major exchanges.

For detailed guides on setting up MetaMask or Rainbow, check our deep dives where we walk you through everything step by step.

Cold Wallet Game:

• CoolWallet Pro: The new standard in cold storage. What makes it stand out? In-wallet swaps mean you can trade directly from your secure storage – no more jumping between apps. Plus, it's sleek enough to fit in your phone case.

• Ledger: The tank of hardware wallets. Built like a fortress for your crypto, Ledger offers multiple models that support tons of coins and NFTs. Their Nano series is particularly popular for its security features and broad compatibility. Perfect if you're serious about long-term holding.

Pro Tips:

1. Start with a hot wallet for your daily moves

2. Guard your recovery phrase like it's the password to your finsta

3. Consider the multi-wallet strategy – different wallets for different purposes

Real talk: Security is key.

Your recovery phrase is like your digital fingerprint – never share it, never store it digitally, and keep it somewhere safe IRL. Lost access means lost crypto, and there's no "forgot password" button in this game.

Wallet Guard is the most advanced open-source browser extension that identifies scams & wallet drainers before they interact with your preferred wallet.

Stay up-to-date with the latest alerts & scams. Wallet guard sends out monthly newsletters regarding the state of web3 security, and have educational content on how to best protect yourself on the internet.

Check out Wallet Guard Academy to learn more.

Opinions expressed are based on industry standards and personal experience - nothing shared constitutes financial advice, and we receive no commissions or compensation from any products or services mentioned.

As 2024 draws to a close, we're reflecting on the incredible impact our community has made in teen suicide prevention and awareness.

This December marks our second successful appearance at Miami Art Week, where we transformed the Dorsey Memorial into a space of hope, creativity, and connection for students of Overtown, Miami. Learn more about our initiative in the historic Overtown and Dorsey Memorial Library in this Medium article.

Our Art Basel installation brought together over 20+ web3 community leaders, artists, and mental health advocates, creating meaningful conversations about teen mental health through the power of creativity and connection. Special thanks to our amazing partners who helped make this possible through their generous support and dedication to our cause.

Ways You Can Make a Difference This Holiday Season:

1. Make a Lasting Impact - https://www.pledge.to/organizations/99-0642578/another-awesome-day

   • Start a monthly donation of any amount

   • One-time contributions are deeply appreciated

   • Cryptocurrency donations accepted

2. Support Through Art Our network of talented artists has created powerful pieces that speak to hope, resilience, and mental health awareness. Every purchase directly supports our mission:

   • Browse our curated collection

Your support enables us to:

• Expand our Y3K Educational resources and content. Including programs like our self-paced summer camp that is published and accessible to community members.
  

• Host community awareness events across the country like Another Awesome Day NYC!

• Fund partner organizations programming and education initiatives year round.

Together, we can create a world where every teen knows they're not alone and that every day has the potential to be Another Awesome Day.

With gratitude,
Y3K and Another Awesome Day Team

Y3K Community Members - we're excited to share some incredible opportunities for engagement and impact in our future focused community.

🚀 Howard's Virtual Hackathon: AI & Policy Innovation

Join us for an exciting virtual hackathon kicking off November 19th focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence and policy. Y3K is proud to be a sponsor and workshop presenter at this Y3K student led and organized event.

Workshop Highlight: Web3 Security

Join our comprehensive workshop on blockchain security and Web3 fundamentals. You'll learn:

• Built-in blockchain security measures and their implementation

• Strategies to protect against common hacking vulnerabilities

• Step-by-step guide to claiming and securing your Web3 domain handle

• Hands-on experience with security-focused blockchain applications

🏆 Prizes Include: Free CDEZ LLC registration for winning student team

🤝 Support Another Awesome Day (501c3)

We're proud to support Another Awesome Day's crucial work in teen suicide awareness and prevention. Join us on December 6th for our second annual event during Miami Art Basel Week. Register here or email us at anotherawesomedaynonprofit@gmail.com if you'd like to be considered as a workshop facilitator or event sponsor.

🌟 New Website Launch!

Check out Another Awesome Day's recently updated website:

• Learn more about our impactful mission

• Explore our past events

• Discover ways to get involved
  
  Your donations can make a real difference in supporting mental health initiatives for our youth. Another Awesome Day is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, and all contributions are tax-deductible.

How to Get Involved

1. Register for the Hackathon: https://www.apartresearch.com/event/howard-university-ai-policy-hackathon

2. Attend Our Workshop: Learn about blockchain security applications during the Howard Hackathon

3. Donate: Support Another Awesome Day's mission. Donate Crypto Today.

4. Spread the Word: Share these opportunities to engage with your network

For any questions about the hackathon sponsorship or workshop participation, please contact our team at events@nftclt.solutions.

Together, we can make positive change!

🧘 Mindful Moment

In tech, we often focus on external innovation, but internal wellbeing is just as crucial. Take a moment for yourself with our recommended meditation music below: This gentle music is perfect for recalibrating from screen fatigue and to boost creative problem-solving – perfect for hackathon preparation!

Summary

The recent collaboration between Y3K and Fam1st Family Foundation at the West Oakland Youth Center is a blueprint for how web3 communities and leaders can support underserved communities through emerging technology education. This innovative summer program brought future focused learning experiences to Oakland youth, fostering creativity, promoting entrepreneurship, and encouraging technical skills crucial for the future workforce.

Camp Overview:

The Y3K Summer Camp, designed for students aged 6-18, focused on bridging the digital divide and introducing participants to emerging technologies. The curriculum covered a wide range of topics including:

1. Internet Privacy and how to watch for scams with help from our friends at Wallet Guard.

2. Blockchain technology and cryptocurrency basics

3. Web3 community development and decentralized applications

4. Digital art and NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens)

5. Entrepreneurship and innovation in the digital age using tools like artificial intelligence to quickly prototype and build

Y3K Creator Challenge:

The highlight of the camp was the capstone project where students applied their newfound knowledge to real-world problems. These projects showcased the students' creativity and technical skills. We had 10 unique project submissions ranging from play to earn crypto mobile games to tokenized comic ip, and blockchain enabled shoes.

Winning Projects

1. First Place GirlsWorld “GW”
   

2. Second Place Problem
   
   
   

3. Third Place OXP
   
   
   These projects not only incorporated the technical concepts learned during the camp but also promoted ideation and entrepreneurial thinking among the participants. Recurring themes included heavy consideration on interoperable and safe metaverse ecosystems.

Impact:

By bringing advanced education to underserved communities, the Y3K Camp has taken a significant step towards equalizing opportunities in the tech industry. Students who might not otherwise have access to such cutting-edge information and resources were able to gain valuable skills that can open doors to future careers in technology and innovation. The camp's approach of combining theoretical knowledge with practical application has equipped these young minds with problem-solving skills and a forward-thinking mindset.

Sponsorship and Support:

The success of this initiative was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors: Bones by Jarritos, and 501c3 non-profit Another Awesome Day. Their contributions enabled us to provide high-quality facilitators, educational resources, and even free crypto wallets domain handles for the students to claim and experiment with blockchain technology firsthand.

We’d also like to thank collaborating partner FIO for providing the domain handles. Claim your FREE Y3K Domain handle here!

Looking Ahead:

We can’t wait for Y3K Summer Camp next year, and look to expand to other communities. This model of combining emerging tech education with community-focused initiatives could serve as a template for similar programs nationwide. We will archive this historic initiative by publishing this summary on the blockchain via Mirror.xyz, we're not just sharing information – we're demonstrating the very technology these students have been learning about. This act itself serves as a testament to the camp's mission of embracing and understanding the digital future.

The Y3K Summer Camp, in partnership with Fam1st Family Foundation, has shown that with the right education and opportunities, every community can be at the forefront of technological innovation. As we move forward, we remain committed to our goal of empowering youth and bridging the digital divide, one camp at a time.

📣 Exciting News for Y3K Membrz! 📣 Get Your FREE Y3K Domain Handle and $5 in Crypto!

Courtesy of Y3K Partner FIO, you now have the opportunity to claim your very own Web3 username and receive $5 worth of cryptocurrency! This is your chance to take your first steps into the world of Web3 and cryptocurrency, absolutely free.

Here's what you need to know:

1. Claim a FREE Y3K Domain Handle (your Web3 username)

   Make sure to turn off any VPN when claiming your FIO @y3k Domain name

2. Request $5 worth of FIO tokens

   Don't have a crypto wallet? Check out our guide on Setting up your crypto wallet

To get started, FIO has prepared a step-by-step video guide that will walk you through:

• Claiming your domain name

• Requesting your $5 in FIO tokens

Welcome to the future of finance with Y3K and FIO!

📢 Spread the Word! 📢 Know someone who'd love to join the Web3 revolution? Share this amazing offer with your friends and family! The more, the merrier in our growing Y3K community!

Protect your crypto directly in your MetaMask. Stop guessing about your transactions when performing swaps, claims & mints!

Learn how to add the wallet guard security snap to your Metamask wallet.