For most people, hacking is a negative term. But at HackFresno Hackathon, hacking becomes a positive experience for both the participants and the community.

HackFresno 2019 is a 24-hour hack-athon designed to encourage technologically-savvy students to use their skills to complete a project in one of four different categories: Education, Health and Wellness, Environment and Agriculture and Social Good.

Around 80-120 participants are expected for this year, and the HackFresno staff hope to draw in people of all majors and ability levels. The event is open to students of all skill levels, and beginners are encouraged to participate and learn.

Hackers may enter either as a team or come individually and be grouped with other members. They will have from noon on Saturday, Feb. 23 to noon Sunday, Feb. 24 to design and create a project in one of the themes.

There will be breaks from the main activity of designing and programming throughout the day and night in the form of organized activities. These include workshops taught by field professionals, yoga, snacks and a raffle. Food will also be provided throughout the event.

HackFresno 2019 public relations manager Christopher Marroquin claims that the event is a great way not only to expand students’ computer development skills, but to meet other like-minded students, learn how to work together as a team, communicate and present a project in a short period of time.

Prizes will be given for the teams with the top projects in each category, and a raffle will be held for everyone attending the event.

The event is 100 percent free, and all college students ages 18 years and older who are interested in tech are welcome, regardless of what school they attend.

The event will be held in the Fresno State North Gym room 118. Check-ins for the event will officially start on Feb. 23 at 9:00 a.m., and the event will continue overnight until 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 24. Interested students can visit https://www.hackfresno.com/ for more details and official rules.