Congressional App Challenge Announces New Congressional Operations Coordinator

Blaike Bibbs, a lifelong political advocate and civic leader, will be joining the Congressional App Challenge team as the Congressional Operations Coordinator. Blaike will be the lead congressional liaison for the 2019 Congressional App Challenge. The Congressional App Challenge is a congressional initiative to encourage student engagement in coding and computer science through an annual series of concurrent contests hosted by Members of Congress.

“Blaike brings energy and experience to a rapidly-expanding program,” said Joseph Alessi, Program Director of the Congressional App Challenge. “At a transformative time for the program, Blaike will be the congressional keystone.”

Blaike brings several years of event planning experience and an innovative thought process to the Congressional App Challenge. She has extensive experience spearheading bipartisan programs, enhancing youth engagement, and speaking publicly. Ms. Bibbs currently serves as the National Chief of Staff for College Democrats of America.

“I’m delighted to encourage our nation’s youth to learn more about coding and computer science,” said Ms. Bibbs. “I believe that a STEM-focused education is vital to ensuring the United States remains a leader across industries, and I am honored to assist in ensuring it happens.”

Ms. Bibbs is a Spring 2019 graduate of North Carolina State University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, holding a degree in Political Science with a concentration in American Government. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Public Administration.

In 2018, 223 Members of Congress hosted App Challenges across 47 states and territories. Over 1,700 applications were created by more than 5,200 students, with participant demographics continuing to outstrip tech-industry diversity metrics. The Congressional App Challenge aims to continue its remarkable growth in 2019 and beyond.