What Is the Congressional App Challenge?

Middle and high school students create and submit original apps in the App Challenge, developing their coding and design skills; participants register, build their app, and submit it for judging, with winners recognized for creativity, functionality, and technical skill.

Where Is the Congressional App Challenge Held?

The App Challenge is a US-based competition open to middle and high school students enrolled in US schools or US citizens abroad. Apps are submitted online, and winners are announced by their congressional districts. No in-person event is required.

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About The Congressional App Challenge: Inspiring Young Innovators in Technology and Coding

The Congressional App Challenge (CAC) is a national competition in the United States aimed at encouraging students to explore and develop their coding and app development skills. Launched in 2015 by the U.S. House of Representatives, the challenge allows students from across the country to create their own software applications, with the chance to have their app showcased in the Capitol and win recognition from Congress.

The competition is organized by the House of Representatives’ office of the U.S. Congress, with a primary goal of fostering STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education and providing students with opportunities to develop practical skills in computer programming and app development. Each year, members of Congress host their own district-level app challenges, where students are invited to submit their original apps based on specific guidelines. Winners are selected by local judges and ultimately recognized at the national level.

Since its inception, the Congressional App Challenge has engaged thousands of students in tech innovation, inspiring them to think creatively and build apps that can solve real-world problems. The competition also serves as a platform for students to connect with tech industry professionals and gain insight into the world of software development, all while promoting diversity and inclusion within the tech field. The CAC continues to be a key part of the U.S. government’s efforts to empower young innovators and provide them with the tools and recognition to shape the future of technology.

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Key Details

Subjects: Computer science, app development

How to Enter: Register online, design and build an original app, and submit it through the official portal.

Age Range: US middle and high school students

Competition Format: Students design, code, and submit an original app, including a video demonstration and written description.

Recognition: Winners are recognized by their congressional representative and may be invited to showcase their app in Washington, D.C.

Sample Task: Create an app that helps students manage homework assignments and deadlines.

Our Tips for Succeeding in the Congressional App Challenge

Start by identifying a real-world problem that interests you, and design an app that offers a practical solution. Learn the basics of coding and app design, and use online tutorials or resources to build your skills. Test your app thoroughly and gather feedback from users. Prepare clear documentation and a video demo for your submission. Creativity, usability, and originality will help your entry stand out.

FAQs

How Hard is it to Stand Out in the Congressional App Challenge?

The Challenge is moderately competitive within the US, open to middle and high school students; winners are selected by congressional districts.

How Does the Congressional App Challenge Boost College Applications?

It can, especially if you win or are recognized. It demonstrates coding skills, creativity, and initiative in STEM fields.

Is the App Challenge Exclusively for High School Students?

The App Challenge is open to both middle and high school students in the US.