Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ) has announced that his office will be participating in the Congressional App Challenge, an application (app) competition for U.S. high school students.
The challenge submission period will run from July 18 through Nov. 2. The competition is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of coding experience. Students can learn more about the competition at http://pallone.house.gov/appchallenge, according to a press release.
“The Congressional App Challenge is a wonderful opportunity for students to demonstrate their technical and creative skills,” Pallone said. “As the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I have seen how innovative technology is creating new industries and opportunities for countless Americans. We must continue to make investments in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education in New Jersey to ensure the next generation has the skills and tools needed to keep the United States as the world’s top innovator for years to come.”
Winners will be selected by panels of judges from local communities and winners in the competition will be honored by their member of Congress. Their apps will be featured on a display in the U.S. Capitol building and on the Congressional App Challenge website.
The Congressional App Challenge was created because Congress recognized that STEM and computer-based skills are essential for economic growth and innovation, and that the United States has been falling behind on these fronts, according to the press release from Pallone.
Last year, Ariel Rakovitsky of Marlboro was named as the winner of the competition for his app “Students,” a crowdfunding platform for education institutions.