Congressional App Challenge Partners with Broadcom Foundation to Enhance Digital Literacy and STEM Access for Youth Nationwide
Washington D.C., United States – September 6, 2024:The Congressional App Challenge, an official initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives that inspires middle and high school students to pursue a passion for STEM, proudly announces a new partnership with Broadcom Foundation. This partnership aims to further the reach of the Challenge, equipping more students across the United States with vital digital literacy and coding skills while promoting equitable access to STEM education.
Founded in 2009, Broadcom Foundation is dedicated to advancing equitable access to STEM education and promoting coding as a critical 21st-century+ skill. The foundation believes that STEM disciplines are the bedrock of an advanced society and key indicators of its ability to sustain itself and prosper. Through initiatives like “Broadcom Coding with Commitment®,” Broadcom Foundation encourages young people to become digitally literate creative problem solvers who can think critically, collaborate effectively, and lead in the digital world.
This new collaboration will leverage the strengths of both organizations to expand opportunities for youth, particularly from underrepresented communities, to engage with technology and develop the skills necessary for future careers. Together, the Congressional App Challenge and Broadcom Foundation will focus on equitable access to broadband internet and promoting basic coding in order to develop the skills that are vital for employment today.
“We are delighted to partner with Broadcom Foundation, its commitment to advancing STEM education and digital literacy aligns perfectly with our mission,” said Joseph Alessi, Program Director of the Congressional App Challenge. “By combining our efforts, we can inspire more students from diverse backgrounds to explore technology, fostering the next generation of innovators who will shape our world.”
Broadcom Foundation President, Paula Golden, concurs, saying “Broadcom Foundation is delighted to join other stakeholders in supporting this national forum that enables young people to express their creativity through coding.”
Broadcom Foundation’s initiatives, such as its collaboration with the Raspberry Pi Foundation and ScienceBuddies.org, promote free online coding tools and after-school Code Clubs, where children in grades 5-8 engage in hands-on, project-based learning to develop essential digital skills. Through programs like these, and its sponsorship of science fairs, the foundation encourages young people to solve problems that align with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.
The partnership highlights the foundation’s “Broadcom Coding with Commitment®” program, which inspires middle schoolers to use their coding skills to address community challenges that align with the United Nation’s SDGs. By acting locally and thinking globally, this initiative opens new opportunities for collaboration within STEM Learning Ecosystems and increases volunteer engagement among Broadcom Inc. employees worldwide.
About Broadcom Foundation
Broadcom Foundation is committed to advancing STEM education and ensuring digital literacy for all. Founded in 2009, the Foundation focuses on equitable access to digital tools and education, particularly for underserved communities, to help foster the next generation of skilled STEM professionals. Through partnerships with organizations like the Raspberry Pi Foundation and ScienceBuddies.org, the Foundation supports innovative programs that prepare youth for the future workforce and inspire them to make meaningful contributions to their communities. To learn more, visit [www.broadcomfoundation.org](http://www.broadcomfoundation.org).
About the Congressional App Challenge
The Congressional App Challenge is a national competition sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives to promote coding skills and STEM education among middle and high school students. Since its launch in 2015, it has reached over 58,000 students across all 50 states, encouraging young people to explore computer science and prepare for future careers in technology. For more information, visit [www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us](http://www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us).