AthenaHacks is all about tackling challenges in society with the power of technology, innovation, and creativity. As part of our efforts to use technology for social good, we’re dedicating our top 3 overall prizes to non-profit organizations in the Greater Los Angeles area that help out the community. It’s our way to give back to the people around us!

Here’s how it works: In addition to winning some awesome technology for each team member from our sponsors, our top 3 overall winning teams will have the opportunity to choose an organization that they want to help out. We want their impact to go towards a cause that they care about. This year, we’ve chosen three organizations from around LA to receive donations that will go towards their mission.

Giving Back Packs LA is an organization dedicated to helping out the men, women and children who struggle with homelessness by providing backpacks with a variety of supplies. These reusable backpacks include items like snacks, water, socks, toothbrushes, and emergency blankets. GBPLA hopes to make an impact by providing anything that can make a difference.

Lava Mae is an organization that combines humanity, collaboration, and “radical hospitality” to serve people moving through homelessness. By converting public transportation buses into showers and toilets on wheels, Lava Mae hopes to provide hygiene and restored dignity to those who are experiencing homelessness.

Girls Build LA is an initiative run by the LA Promise Fund to encourage young women from public middle and high schools to use science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to effect social change. Girls Build LA empowers young innovators to solve the problems of today and the builders of tomorrow.

We can’t wait to see how you use tech for social good at AthenaHacks!