ZenChat: The AI Therapist wins Rep. Randy Weber’s 2024 Congressional App Challenge in Texas’ 14th District
Rep. Randy Weber has named Raeef Dean, a tenth grader at Clear Springs High School, as the winner of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge in Texas’ 14th District.
When asked what inspired the creation of ZenChat: The AI Therapist, the student said, “I was inspired to create ZenChat after seeing close friends at my high school struggle with mental health issues like anxiety and depression. It was heartbreaking to watch them go through tough times, and even more difficult knowing that many of them didn’t feel comfortable reaching out for help. Some were afraid of being judged or just didn’t know where to turn. Seeing this made me realize how big the barriers to getting support can be, and it left me wanting to do something that could make a real difference.
I noticed that some of my friends felt more comfortable opening up online or through text, rather than face-to-face. That really got me thinking: what if there was a way for people to get help anonymously, in a space where they didn’t have to worry about being judged? That’s where the idea for ZenChat came from. I wanted to create a platform where anyone struggling with mental health could feel safe, whether they wanted to talk or just type, and know that their conversations wouldn’t be stored or shared.
ZenChat is really about giving people an option they might not have had otherwise. Whether it’s a teenager dealing with school stress, an abuse victim seeking support, or a veteran facing PTSD, I wanted to build something that could reach those who might be hesitant to seek traditional therapy. This app provides a space where users can express themselves without fear and get immediate support, which can make all the difference in a moment of need.
For me, it’s about helping people feel less alone. I know how isolating mental health struggles can be, and I wanted ZenChat to provide a sense of connection, as if someone is there to listen, even if professional help isn’t available right away. By using technology in a compassionate way, my hope is that ZenChat can help people take that first step toward feeling better whenever they need it most.”
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.