2024 Congressional App Challenge: Shattering Records, Shaping the Future of Innovation, Education, and Policy
The 2024 Congressional App Challenge officially concluded on October 24, setting new records and reaffirming the boundless potential of young tech innovators across the nation. With over 12,000 students participating and more than 3,900 apps submitted from all 50 states, this year’s Challenge demonstrated the profound impact of STEM education and its role in addressing real-world challenges through technology. Supported by 382 Members of Congress—our highest level of bipartisan engagement to date—the Challenge not only celebrated the ingenuity of students but also served as a vital bridge connecting tech policy with future-focused education. By fostering meaningful dialogues on tech’s role in society and inspiring a shared commitment from Congress and the private sector, the Congressional App Challenge continues to lay a foundation for a future where technology, innovation, and policy intersect to empower every community in America.
Unprecedented Participation and Innovation
The Congressional App Challenge witnessed a historic level of engagement this year, with 382 Members of Congress participating—an all-time high that underscores widespread legislative support for STEM education. More than 12,000 middle and high school students from every state stepped up to showcase their technical skills, another program record, tackling real-world issues and using technology to create solutions that ranged from environmental conservation to community health. Notably, 40% of the apps submitted utilized artificial intelligence, marking a significant step toward integrating advanced technology in education.
Empowering Congress to See the Future of Technology
What makes the Congressional App Challenge unique is the hands-on role it encourages Members of Congress to take in STEM education. Hosting the Challenge in their districts provides Members a firsthand view of how students in every community – not just traditional tech hubs like San Francisco and New York – are creating transformative tech solutions. This experience has inspired countless Members to rethink the future of technology and STEM education, deepening their understanding of how a thriving tech sector can positively impact communities across the U.S.
The Challenge not only fosters an appreciation for STEM but also broadens lawmakers’ perspectives on the importance of supporting tech education initiatives that reach diverse, underserved regions. These interactions provide Members with fresh insights into the talent pool emerging from their own districts and prompt discussions about how STEM policies can better support access to technology careers in every district across the country.
A Growing Legacy of Record-Breaking Achievements
The 2024 Congressional App Challenge builds on the momentum of previous years. In 2022, over 9,000 students submitted 2,707 apps, setting a participation record. That record was shattered in 2023, when 11,334 students created 3,645 apps. This year, that record was shattered again, with over 12,000 students submitting more than 3,900 apps. This growth trajectory is a testament to the Challenge’s enduring impact on young learners and its capacity to engage communities nationwide in the pursuit of tech innovation.
Advancing Tech Policy Through STEM Education
Beyond the competition itself, the Congressional App Challenge serves as a springboard for advancing critical tech policy discussions. The rise in AI-powered apps developed by students underscores the need for thoughtful, forward-looking policies that govern AI development and application. By engaging students in the process of creating with AI and other advanced technologies, the Challenge emphasizes the importance of ethical tech use and the need for supportive policies that balance innovation with responsibility.
For the U.S. to maintain a leadership position in the global technology landscape, policymakers must support initiatives like the Congressional App Challenge, which equips the next generation with essential skills and fosters a pipeline of diverse, domestic STEM talent.
Thank You to Our Supporters and Stakeholders
The success of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge is a collective achievement, made possible by the commitment of dedicated stakeholders in the House of Representatives, throughout government, and throughout the private sector. The 2024 Congressional App Challenge’s success is fueled by the support of our dedicated sponsors, whose commitment to empowering future tech leaders has made this initiative possible. We extend our heartfelt thanks to these amazing supporters that you see listed below.
Their investment has not only inspired thousands of students to dream big but has also played a crucial role in bridging the gap between STEM education and impactful real-world applications. Together, we are paving the way for many more years of empowering students, inspiring lawmakers, and driving tech innovation in every corner of the country.