Every year, the members of U.S. House of Representatives host a district-wide Congressional App Challenge for middle school and high school students. Congressman Charlie Crist will host his annual FL-13 Congressional App Challenge in efforts to encourage students to learn to code and inspire them to pursue careers in computer science, technology, engineering, and medicine. This is especially important given the current Coronavirus pandemic, where business, education, medicine, and other aspects of our society have been increasingly forced to move onto online and virtual platforms.
For the 2020 FL-13 App Challenge, students are asked to create an app that addresses an issue or issues caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic. This nationwide effort allows students to compete against their peers by creating an app of their choice for mobile, tablet, or computer devices. No background or experience in computer science is needed - 44% of past app challenge participants described themselves as beginners. The Congressional App Challenge’s mission is to inspire, include, and innovate efforts around STEM, Coding, and Computer Science Education.
Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in the Congressional App Challenge, you must be a middle or high school student at the time of the app submission. Students may register as individuals or as teams of up to four. Students must live or go to school within Florida's 13th Congressional District to participate. To view complete rules for the 2020 Congressional App Challenge, click here.
Register and Submit
The Congressional App Challenge is a competition aimed to encourage U.S. middle and high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications. Submissions will be judged on the following criteria: creativity and originality, design and user experience, and demonstration of student’s programming skills. The app winner from FL-13, chosen by a panel of expert judges, will have their app displayed in the US Capitol Building and featured on Congressman Charlie Crist's website and social media channels. Note: While past winners have been able to attend House of Code in Washington, D.C., all future events are subject to COVID-19 restrictions or cancellations.
The deadline for submissions is October 19, 2020.
Enter here!
Want to submit an app but not sure where to start? Visit the Congressional App Challenge website for free online resources to help you get coding. Additional information for participants on virtual coding events, deadlines, judging, and winners' announcements will be released as the Challenge continues. Be sure to sign up here to receive notification of future updates and follow Congressman Charlie Crist on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay in the loop throughout the Congressional App Challenge.
