Congressional App Challenge

Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) is inviting students to participate in the 2018 Congressional App Challenge, a competition designed to encourage student involvement in computer science and coding.  This nationwide effort allows students to compete against their peers by creating an application – or “app” – for web, PC, tablet, Raspberry Pi, mobile, or other platform of their choice.  The Congressman will accept apps written in any programming language, including C, C++, Java, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, block code, etc.

“As a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, co-chair of the STEM Ed Caucus, a longtime supporter of innovation and scientific research, and a former professor, I couldn’t be more excited to bring the App Challenge to the Third District,” stated Rep. Lipinski.  “Improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at all levels is one of the most important steps we can take to ensure that America remains one of the most technologically innovative countries in the world."

The Congressional App Challenge is open to all students who live in or go to school in the Third District.  Students of all skill levels are encouraged to participate and learn how to create their own apps.  The challenge is intended for high school students, but there is no minimum age required for participation.  Students that have graduated from high school are not eligible to participate. 

Students may compete as individuals or in teams of up to four members.  At least two members of each team must be eligible to compete in the district in which they enter.  Apps created may cover any topic, but they must be original, appropriate, and created during the current contest cycle (between October 16, 2017 and October 15, 2018).  Students entering the competition must submit their app on CongressionalAppChallenge.us by October 15, 2018.

Submissions will be judged on the following criteria: quality of the idea, including creativity and originality; implementation of the idea, including user experience and design; and demonstrated excellence of coding and programming skills.

The winner from the Third Congressional District will be chosen by a panel of expert judges and will be featured on CongressionalAppChallenge.us.  The winning app will also be on display in the U.S. Capitol, along with other winners from across the country.  Last year’s winner was Scott Turro from Lyons Township High School, who created an app called Water Ring Game.

For more information, contact one of the Congressman’s offices or visit lipinski.house.gov.