The Congressional App Challenge is a great opportunity for high school students to hone their coding abilities and learn from other tech enthusiasts across the country. I am impressed by the technological innovation I see every day in Eastern Washington, and I’m excited to see the app ideas our local students will create. – Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers

This competition is designed to engage student creativity and encourage their participation in STEM education fields. Established by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013, this competition is part of a nationwide event that allows high school students from across the country to compete by creating and exhibiting their software application, or “app,” for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice. It is designed to promote innovation and engagement in STEM education fields.

Apps are judged based 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.

Participants may compete individually or in teams of up to 4 students. All entries must be an original in concept, design, and execution.

The Congressional App Challenge is open to all high school students in the Fifth Congressional District of Washington. Students entering the competition must submit their app’s source code online before 11:59 PM (midnight) Eastern Daylight Time on JANUARY 15TH, 2016, as well as provide a YouTube or VIMEO video demo explaining their app and what they learned through this competition process.

The winner from the Fifth Congressional District, chosen by an independent panel of expert judges, will be featured on CongressionalAppChallenge.us, and the winning app will also be on display in the U.S. Capitol, honoring the winners from across the country.

More details will be released as the Submission Period approaches. For more information, please visit the official Congressional App Challenge website or contact Jessica Laughery at 509-353-2374.