"We are running our first Hackathon to help promote the importance of learning computer science and youth empowerment in the digital age," said Dr. Jo Webber, CEO & Founder of Virtual Piggy. "It's going to be a lot of fun too! We will offer financial rewards and resume-boosting experiences, as well as fun prizes and an exclusive VP Hackathon t-shirt for selected participants. It's the perfect prelude to Computer Science Week."

The prizes include over $25,000 in scholarships towards higher education, internship programs at Virtual Piggy, brand new high tech devices including laptops, and a Virtual Piggy prize pack from sponsors. A panel of successful business people will preside over the Hackathon, including Virtual Piggy advisory board member, John Paul DeJoria.

"It's just great to see a U.S. technology company like Virtual Piggy bring a youth hackathon to the city of Los Angeles," said John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of the highly successful hair care line: Paul Mitchell, founder of the Patron Tequila company, and guest shark on ABC's Shark Tank. "I am excited to be a judge at the hackathon and I can't wait to see the creativity generated by the youth of Los Angeles."

The Virtual Piggy Hackathon will be held on December 7, 2013 just before Computer Science Education Week.