The Congressional App Challenge is a competition that encourages U.S. middle and high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications. The Challenge aims to highlight the value of computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education and encourage students to engage in these fields. By encouraging and recognizing our nation’s young programming talent, Congress hopes to shine a light on the growing importance of these skills.
The Congressional App Challenge lasts from May 1, 2024, through October 24, 2024, and is open to all U.S. middle and high school students in participating districts. Challenge participants are invited, either as individuals or in teams, to create and submit their software application (“app”) for mobile, tablet, or other computing devices on a platform of their choice. A panel of local computer science professionals and congressional representatives will judge the apps, and the winners in each district will have the honor of being recognized by their Congressional representative. If you have any questions, please contact Avery Perreault at Avery.Perreault@mail.house.gov or (425) 485-0085.
For a complete description of contest rules, click HERE.
To Register
To enter, students may register HERE, ideally by September 20, 2024. Students can register their team before their app is complete. The deadline to submit a completed app is October 24, 2024.
All entries must be original in concept, design, and execution.
App-A-Thon
The Congressional App Challenge App-A-Thon is an event for middle and high school students in participating districts to create and develop mobile applications. At the App-A-Thon, students have the opportunity to learn about technology and what is needed to build an app from start to finish. Students form teams to successfully complete their apps, and we try to have mentorship from the local technology community to assist in problem-solving. At the end of the App-A-Thon, teams present their application to a judging panel to be considered for prizes. After the App-A-Thon, teams will be able to submit their apps to the Congressional App Challenge.
The App-A-Thon will take place 2-3 weeks before apps are due on October 24, 2024. Final date and Location TBA.
