Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are hosting district-wide Congressional App Challenges for middle school and high school students. The Congressional App Challenge was first launched in 2015, and it has become the most prestigious prize in student computer science.
The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide initiative to engage student creativity and engagement in STEM and, more specifically, encourage them to learn how to code and inspire them to pursue careers in computer science. This competition was created because Congress recognizes how essential computer science and STEM skills are for economic growth and innovation.
The challenge allows students to compete with peers in their district by creating and exhibiting a software application for a platform of their choice. STUDENTS CAN USE ANY PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE (example: C, C++, Java, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, PHP, “block code,” etc.) and ANY PLATFORM (PC, web, tablet, browser extension, robot, mobile, Raspberry Pi, Ruby on Rails, etc.).
There are NO LIMITS on application theme or topic! Past apps have included titles such as: CalcuMath, Learn Braille, PC Parts Organizer, Memory Exercise, Book Finder, Electoral College Map, Daily Nutrients, Happy Weight, Chemistry Reference, Space Mission, Safe Travel, Hobby Finder, etc. For more ideas, see last year’s winning apps.
To be eligible to participate in the 2019 Congressional App Challenge, you must be a middle or high school student at the time of app submission. Students may register as individuals or as teams of up to four. No more than four students are allowed to form a team. Students may compete in the district they residein or the district they attend school in. If competing as a team, at least two of the teammates must be eligible to compete in the district in which they are participating in.
In addition to creating the app, students must produce a demonstration video of 1-3 minutes showcasing what the app does and explaining how it works, uploaded onto YouTube or Vimeo for the judges to view. This is not a video-creation competition, but the judges will view the demonstration video to learn about the app, so you should make it as clear and compelling as possible.
The apps will be evaluated by a panel of local judges who work within the academic, software, and entrepreneurial fields. The Congressional App Challenge winners receive official recognition from their Member of Congress, and the winning app from each congressional district will be featured on the U.S. House of Representatives’ website (www.house.gov). The winning apps are also displayed in a U.S. Capitol exhibit for one year. In addition, winning students are invited to the #HouseofCode Capitol Reception in Washington, D.C.
Students can register for the 2019 Congressional App Challenge here.
Students should register by September 15, 2019 for early incentives. The deadline for students to submit their app online is November 1, 2019, at 11:59pm EST.
For additional details, visit www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us and download the official rules.