Westbury ‘hackathon’ open to LI high schoolers this weekend

Long Island high schoolers can take part in a computer “hackathon” in Westbury this weekend.

The event, billed as the region’s first round-the-clock coding event for high schoolers, will take place from noon Saturday until 3 p.m. Sunday at LaunchPad Westbury, a business incubator at 1025 Old Country Rd.

No computer programming experience is necessary, although participants may want to know the basics, according to the event’s organizers. Experienced coders and newcomers are expected to work together in teams to solve problems by creating websites, mobile apps and robots.

The event will include food, prizes and other items. Participants should bring a laptop, chargers and any other devices they need for the event, as well as a sleeping bag or blanket, pillow, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste.

Participants must pay $5 to buy tickets, but the cost will be reimbursed at the door. For more information, visit lihacks.com or email team@lihacks.com.

By Maura McDermott

maura.mcdermott@newsday.commauramcdermott

Maura McDermott covers education. Since joining Newsday in 2012, she also has worked on the investigations team and covered real estate and the business of health care.