NexusAI wins Rep. Troy E. Nehls’ 2024 Congressional App Challenge in Texas’ 22nd District
Rep. Troy E. Nehls has named Arpan Neupane, an eleventh grader at Lawrence E Elkins High School, as the winner of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge in Texas’ 22nd District.
When asked what inspired the creation of NexusAI, the student said, “As a high school student surrounded by technology, I find it increasingly difficult to focus and study using traditional methods like textbooks and rote learning.
Following the release of ChatGPT to the general public, I noticed many peers utilizing the platform to help them prepare for tests and generate practice assessments. It was then that I realized how powerful generative AI can be and how impactful it can be on someone’s education. Although I thought it was a great tool, I found problems with the software: it would sometimes be inaccurate and was only limited to one feature. These issues made me avoid using ChatGPT. However, I still thought a tool like this would be helpful, which led me to brainstorm ideas for my app.
I wanted to ensure that my app mitigated the issues found in ChatGPT and also provided access to additional tools. So, this summer of 2024, I went out to develop my application, hoping to impact how I study and benefit my peers.”
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.