Congressional App Challenge Partners with Collegewise to Empower Students on Their Path to Higher Education
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2025
Washington, D.C.
Congressional App Challenge Partners with Collegewise to Empower Students on Their Path to Higher Education
The Congressional App Challenge (CAC)—the U.S. House of Representatives’ premier national coding competition—has inspired thousands of middle and high school students to explore STEM education and careers. Now, the Challenge is taking its mission even further by partnering with Collegewise, the leading college admissions guidance provider, to equip young innovators with the tools they need to turn their passion for technology into a future in higher education.
Through this collaboration, App Challenge participants can receive expert college admissions guidance to help highlight their STEM achievements, strengthen their applications, and confidently navigate the often competitive admissions process. Together, the CAC and Collegewise will ensure that students nationwide have access to resources that support their ambitions beyond the competition, transforming their coding skills into academic and career success.
In addition, App Challenge winners can now receive $500 off full Collegewise counseling packages, helping them access expert college admissions support tailored to their needs.
“For nearly a decade, the Congressional App Challenge has built a national pipeline of STEM talent by encouraging students from all backgrounds to explore coding and computer science,” said Joseph Alessi, Program Director of the Congressional App Challenge. “By joining forces with Collegewise, the gold standard in college admissions guidance, we’re giving these brilliant young minds even greater opportunities to advance their futures. It’s a perfect match, and we’re proud to be partners.”
Founded in 1999, Collegewise has spent 25 years helping students and families navigate the often-intimidating college application process. With more than 100 admissions experts and a track record of guiding over 30,000 students to their best-fit schools, Collegewise is renowned for its personalized approach to college counseling, tutoring, and test preparation.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Congressional App Challenge and celebrate the extraordinary achievements of these talented students at #HouseOfCode—the largest celebration of student coders on Capitol Hill,” said Belinda Paras, Director of Partnerships at Collegewise. “At Collegewise, we believe in helping students uncover opportunities that align with their passions and aspirations. Seeing these young innovators showcase their work on a national stage is nothing short of inspiring.”
This isn’t the first time the two organizations have worked together. At #HouseOfCode 2024, Collegewise CEO Anjali Bhatia spoke directly to winning students, underscoring the deeper purpose of their college journey:
“This event is a testament to what students can achieve when they tackle real-world challenges with creativity and determination. At Collegewise, we don’t just help students ‘look good’ on applications—we help them discover their leadership style, define their purpose, and chart their own path forward. The Congressional App Challenge embodies everything we stand for in supporting students.”
With the Congressional App Challenge continuing to expand, this partnership represents a powerful step forward in empowering the next generation of STEM leaders. By providing both technical, experiential, and academic support, the CAC and Collegewise ensure that students don’t just build apps—they build bright futures.
About the Congressional App Challenge
The Congressional App Challenge is an official initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives, designed to inspire middle and high school students across America to learn to code and pursue careers in computer science. Since its inception, the Challenge has engaged tens of thousands of students from all 50 states, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and a passion for innovation. Learn more at www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us.
About Collegewise
For over two decades, Collegewise has helped students unlock the power of higher education through personalized admissions guidance. With an expert team of counselors, tutors, and test prep specialists, Collegewise has supported over 30,000 students on their journey to college success. Discover more at www.collegewise.com.