NORWALK — FactSet Research Systems is sponsoring Random Hacks of Kindness Jr’s (RHoK Jr) upcoming virtual hackathon focusing on life below water. The three-hour coding program will focus on designing and coding apps addressing the health of the world’s oceans and its impact on human life.

Three-quarters of the Earth is covered with water — and it is this water that sustains life. It provides for half of the oxygen in the atmosphere. This means that every second breath taken comes from the ocean, according to a release for the event. But the ocean, home to half of the world’s known creatures and plants, is facing multiple threats.

Join with RHoK Jr and Devon Savard from Norwalk’s Maritime Aquarium to design and create apps addressing the ways to help save the oceans and the life it sustains. Experience first hand how to use technology to create positive change.

The program, which is scheduled for Saturday, October 30, from 9 am to noon, is open to students in grades 4-8. The event is open to the public and requires no prior coding experience. Using Zoom, students will work in pairs with mentors to create prototype smartphone apps (using the online app block programming language, APP LAB from Code.org).

Students are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes to the virtual event. One lucky costumed participant will be selected at random and awarded an Amazon Gift Card thanks to FactSet Research Systems.

According to organizers, RHoK Jr is a great opportunity for high school and college students studying computer science to mentor and inspire young students while giving nonprofit groups a technological boost.

Random Hacks of Kindness Jr Inc, was developed by Patrice Gans as an opportunity to empower and inspire youth to use technology for social good. Gans, a technology educator, organized the first Random Hacks of Kindness Jr event at the Fraser Woods Montessori School in Newtown in May 2013. Since then close to 2000 students from across Connecticut have come together to create apps for nonprofits in their communities.

“Our events are geared to providing students with opportunities in computer programming in schools, after-school programs, and other settings,” Gans said. “Coding is more than a computer game. Technology really has a purpose.”

Preregistration is required. The registration fee for the event is $18. Participants may register by visiting RHoKJr’s website at rhokjr.org. For additional information contact Gans at pbgans@rhokjr.org.