Eczema Ease wins Rep. Joaquin Castro’s 2024 Congressional App Challenge in Texas’ 20th District

Rep. Joaquin Castro has named Neha Hariharaprasad, a ninth grader at Hector Garcia Middle School, as the winner of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge in Texas’ 20th District.



When asked what inspired the creation of Eczema Ease, the student said, “The inspiration for creating Eczema Ease stems from my personal journey with eczema, a condition I have lived with since I was just a year old. Growing up with eczema has been challenging, not just physically but emotionally as well. The persistent itching, discomfort, and visible skin issues have often made daily life difficult. However, what made it even more challenging was the uncertainty surrounding the condition—trying various treatments, visiting numerous doctors, and still not having a clear, consistent way to manage the symptoms. This uncertainty led to a great deal of stress for both me and my family, who were equally committed to finding solutions to help me live a more comfortable life.

The constant trial and error became overwhelming and, at times, disheartening. It was during these experiences that I realized how important it is to have reliable information and effective tools to manage a condition like eczema. I wanted to create something that could help others avoid the same struggles I faced.

My interest in technology and coding became the foundation for this project. As I developed my skills, I saw an opportunity to combine my personal experience with my passion for technology. I envisioned an app that could serve as a comprehensive resource for those dealing with eczema: a tool that could provide both education and practical solutions to manage the condition more effectively.

Eczema Ease was born out of the desire to make life easier for people like me who live with eczema. I wanted to create an app that not only educates users about their condition but also empowers them to take control of their health. By incorporating features like symptom tracking, trigger identification, and educational flashcards, I aimed to create a one-stop solution that could reduce the stress and uncertainty associated with managing eczema.
 

Ultimately, my inspiration comes from a desire to turn my personal struggles into something positive that can benefit others. I hope that Eczema Ease will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those dealing with eczema, helping them to manage their condition with confidence and peace of mind.”

This year’s Congressional App Challenge set new records, with an unprecedented 382 Members of the House of Representatives hosting competitions—surpassing the previous high of 374. An incredible 12,682 students from across the country participated, representing a growth of over 1,000 students compared to 2023. These talented students submitted an astounding 3,881 original applications, showcasing their creativity, passion for technology, and the limitless potential of America’s next generation of innovators. This surge in participation reflects the increasing excitement around STEM and highlights a bright future for American innovation.

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.

The program is a public-private partnership made possible through funding from the Broadcom Foundation, AWS, Rise, theCoderSchool, Apple, and others.

The 2024 Congressional App Challenge will launch in May of 2025, and eligible students can pre-register for the competition now.