FeelReader wins Rep. Doris Matsui’s 2024 Congressional App Challenge in California’s Seventh District
Rep. Doris Matsui has named Siddharth Mittal, an eleventh grader at Cosumnes Oaks High School, as the winner of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge in California’s Seventh District.
When asked what inspired the creation of FeelReader, the student said, “We were inspired to create FeelReader by observing the growing need for a tool that could serve two important audiences: English language learners and individuals who might not be familiar with modern-day terminology. Language is constantly evolving, and it can be difficult for learners and those out of touch with contemporary slang and expressions to keep up. We noticed a lack of tools that effectively address these challenges and saw an opportunity to harness the power of AI and Machine Learning to fill this gap. Our goal was to create an app that not only helps users understand the subtleties of the English language but also bridges generational language differences. This passion for making English an easy-to-learn and a more accessible language is what drove us to develop FeelReader.”
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.