Ready, Set, Code: Congress Launches the 2023 Congressional App Challenge
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives launched the 2023 Congressional App Challenge. Participants are now able to register for the largest competition in student computer science nationwide! Currently, 300 representatives have signed up to host Challenges within their respective districts, and we expect to see even more in the coming weeks.
The deadline to submit applications is November 1st, and the link to apply can be found below. To access a more detailed explanation of rules and guidelines, information can also be accessed both here and on our website.
About
Enacted by House Resolution 77 in 2013, the Congressional App Challenge was created to foster an appreciation for computer science and STEM across the country. In a district-by-district competition, representatives host challenges for students to code their own apps. At the end of the Challenge, a winner or winning team from each district is invited to the U.S. Capitol Building to showcase their apps to Members of Congress.
As stipulated in House Resolution 77, the Congressional Internet Caucus must request an “app” competition in each Congress and select two bipartisan chairs to oversee all governmental processes annually. Last year, Rep. Jennifer Wexton (VA-10) and Rep. Young Kim (CA-40) chaired the Challenge for the 117th Congress. Stay tuned to find out which co-chairs will be chosen from the 118th Congress!
Through the Congressional App Challenge’s 9 year history, over 40,000 students across all 50 states found greater interest and accessibility to code their futures. Students from middle to high school have created apps to help elderly communities with prescriptions, widen access to mental health resources, and inform young voters on pressing issues. We hope that you will join us for this upcoming Challenge!
Our mission
The Congressional App Challenge was created with the mission to broaden access to computer science and STEM skills, as these crafts are becoming increasingly essential to both economic growth and innovation within the United States.
Additionally, the Congressional App Challenge seeks to bridge the gender, geographic, and racial disparities that are currently prevalent in the tech industry at large. In fact, participant demographics for past App Challenges have surpassed all tech industry diversity metrics. This year, the Congressional App Challenge strives to build on these goals and make tech a welcoming place for all.
Sponsors
We would like to thank all of our sponsors who continue to support and make this initiative possible. Make sure to check each of them out on our website or down below. Happy Coding!
