Engage360 wins Rep. William Timmons’ 2024 Congressional App Challenge in South Carolina’s Fourth District

When asked what inspired the creation of Engage360, the students said, “According to the Pew Research Center, only 33% of eligible voters participated in the 2020 U.S. presidential election, highlighting significant barriers to civic engagement, especially in low-income and underrepresented communities. This alarming statistic motivated us to create Engage360, an app designed to bridge the civic literacy gap and empower individuals to access political information easily.

Adarsh became aware of this gap through his experiences in Speech and Debate. Competing in Public Forum and Lincoln-Douglas debates helped him grasp complex political issues and the importance of informed voting. However, he noticed that many outside of debate lacked access to reliable political knowledge. This disparity inspired him to develop a solution providing essential civic resources for those feeling disconnected from the political process.

His commitment deepened through his involvement with TurnUp Activism, a grassroots organization focused on increasing civic engagement among young people. As a first-generation American, he saw his parents struggle to navigate the U.S. political landscape, underscoring the urgent need for tools that simplify civic engagement for immigrants and marginalized communities.
  

Tanuj shares a similar journey, drawing from his experiences in Policy and Public Forum Debate and community activism. Through debate, he gained a deeper understanding of political structures and policy analysis. A pivotal moment occurred during a trip to Washington, D.C., where he met with Congressional Representatives. Engaging in discussions about pressing issues, Tanuj realized how crucial it is for citizens to have their voices heard by those in power. This experience fueled his passion for promoting civic engagement among young people.

Tanuj also encountered many young individuals who felt disenfranchised due to a lack of knowledge about the political system. As a first-generation American, he saw firsthand how challenging it was for his family to understand U.S. politics.

Together, Adarsh and Tanuj recognized that civic engagement is both a right and a responsibility. Engage360 is their response to the civic literacy gap, empowering individuals to engage confidently in the democratic process and inspiring a new generation of informed citizens ready to shape their communities.”