EcoTracker wins Rep. Michelle Steel’s 2023 Congressional App Challenge in California’s 45th District
Rep. Steel has named Gavin-kai Vida, Angad Batra, and Chris Vu of Whitney High School as the winners of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge in California’s 45th District.
When asked what inspired the creation of EcoTracker, the students said, “I (Christopher Vu) hold an intense passion for climate-related issues, around which I’ve organized most of my past projects. I have developed numerous programs aligned with environmental ideals, so something climate-related was the first thing that came to mind for the Congressional App Challenge. As a competitive swimmer for nine years, I share a deep connection with water-related initiatives. Growing up in Seal Beach, with the ocean just a short walk away, the beach holds significant sentimental value for me.
I (Angad Batra) am firmly dedicated to spreading awareness of any widespread, man made issues, though I give special attention to climate change as it impacts us on a global scale and affects the wellbeing of our current and future generations. I used to spend the majority of my free time at beaches, either for recreation or for voluntary cleanups. I realized that although this temporarily delays climate change, it is ultimately not enough to prevent it. Spreading awareness and helping others understand the problem is a huge step in the right direction, so that they become aware of their own contributions and become mindful of their activities.
Passion for solving climate change goes beyond simply reducing carbon emissions. It encompasses reimagining our energy systems, reevaluating our consumption patterns, and preserving our precious ecosystems. It’s about fostering equity, ensuring that the most vulnerable among us are protected, and embracing sustainable practices that benefit all.
I (Gavin-kai Vida) am inspired by the countless individuals, organizations, and movements worldwide that are already driving change. Passion for solving climate change goes beyond simply reducing carbon emissions. It encompasses reimagining our energy systems, reevaluating our consumption patterns, and preserving our precious ecosystems. Through this app, we aim to motivate others to embrace sustainable practices that benefit all to ensure the protection of our planet.”
This year’s Challenge saw an unprecedented level of participation, with 374 Members of the House of Representatives hosting competitions, surpassing the previous record of 340. A remarkable 11,334 students from across the United States competed in this year’s Challenge, marking an impressive increase of nearly 1,000 participants compared to the previous record set in 2019. The enthusiasm and creativity these students display is a testament to the growing interest in technology and signal a bright future for American innovation. The surge of ingenuity continued with a whopping 3,645 original applications flooding in, nearly a thousand more than the previous year’s high. This remarkable growth showcases the exceptional talent and innovation within our nation’s youth.
The Congressional App Challenge is an official initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives, where Members of Congress host contests in their districts for middle school and high school students, encouraging them to learn to code and inspiring them to pursue careers in computer science. This resounding show of bipartisan support emphasizes the critical importance of STEM education in today’s rapidly evolving world. Each participating Member of Congress selects a winning app from their district, and each winning team is invited to showcase their winning app to Congress during our annual #HouseOfCode festival.