The third annual congressional app challenge is calling all student coders and programmers to participate in this year’s competition.
From July 18-Nov. 2, students (or groups of up to four students) can submit original apps on any platform. The goal of the competition is to encourage students to use skills that they’ve learned in a hands-on, rewarding and practical way. This year’s challenge is co-chaired by U.S. Representatives Ed Royce (R-CA) and Seth Moulton (D-MA).
“I know how important a STEM proficient workforce is to the United States remaining an economic powerhouse,” Royce said. “I encourage all of my colleagues to participate in the Congressional App Challenge, and excellent opportunity to recognize talented young people learning the skills being used to build the future.”
In 2015, more than 1,700 students from around the country submitted almost 500 different apps. The winners of the competition each year have their apps displayed at the Capitol Building. Both representatives said that this is a way to encourage students to go above and beyond.
“We are currently on track to reach a million unfilled programming jobs by 2020,” Moulton said. “These jobs and skills are crucial to the innovation economy. I’m excited… to encourage students across the country to learn how to code. This challenge is a nationwide effort to open up those opportunities to students in every community.”
Students may register for the challenge online.