Hultgren announces annual Congressional App Challenge for high school students
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) has announced that the second annual Congressional App Challenge, previously known as the Congressional Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Academic Competition, for high school students in the 14th Congressional District will begin on Monday, Nov. 9.
The competition is designed to engage students' creativity and encourage their participation in STEM education fields, allowing students to compete by creating and exhibiting their software application, or "app," for mobile, tablet or computer devices on a platform of their choice.
"I was thrilled by the high caliber of last year's submissions, demonstrating how the Congressional App Challenge is a great way students can showcase their ideas and technical know-how," said Rep. Hultgren. "Our nation has a strong track record of innovative and technological achievement and STEM education is critical for our nation to continue to lead, and for our students to pursue and thrive in the careers of tomorrow. Learning computer code alongside young students, I have seen strong promise with our next generation of pioneers and innovators. I am excited to see what inventive apps students in the 14th District create to solve everyday problems and enhance our lives."
In its first year, the nationwide competition received submissions from students in 84 congressional districts. Jake Cirino of Oswego High School was selected as 14th District winner by area judges from the computer science and technology fields for his app, "Pollution Simulator."
The 2016 Congressional App Challenge submission period will run from Nov. 9, 2015 through Jan. 15, 2016. 14th District winners will be selected by a panel of local judges and recognized by Congressman Hultgren. Their apps will be featured on a display in the U.S. Capitol building.
Additional information on the Congressional App Challenge can be found at www.congressionalappchallenge.us, and on Rep. Hultgren's website at hultgren.house.gov/serving-you/stem-competition, or by phone at (202) 225-2976.