Wayne State University's College of Engineering and Blackstone LaunchPad are hosting HackWSU, a 24-hour hackathon for high school and college students, May 23-24, 2015. During the 24 hours, students will write web-based software, create mobile apps or design computer programs addressing a need or innovation of their choice. The event is open to all current university and high school students, who will work together in teams to compete, showcase their skills and learn more about the craft of software development. In addition to the competition, there will be breakout workshops and an employer recruiting fair. 

HackWSU takes place at Wayne State University's College of Engineering, 5050 Anthony Wayne Dr. The event begins on Saturday, May 23 at 10 a.m. and concludes at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 24. Participants will work through the night. Pillows and sleeping bags are recommended. 

"This event will be a great opportunity for the students to strut their stuff and compete, all the while being in a terrific environment for educational growth and creativity," said Aubrey Agee, Blackstone LaunchPad's Senior Program Administrator.

HackWSU sponsors include Bizdom, Grand Circus, Absopure, Detroit Labs and New Horizons Learning Centers.

To register or for more information, visit www.hackwsu.com.

Blackstone LaunchPad offers career guidance, resources and mentorship to entrepreneurs, innovators and inventors at Wayne State University. Blackstone LaunchPad's mission is to show Wayne State University students that starting a new venture is a legitimate career path and attainable reality. Since 2011, WSU's Blackstone LaunchPad has helped launch 137 student ventures, 50 percent of which are now generating revenue and helping to strengthen Detroit's and Michigan's economy.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering more than 380 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 28,000 students.