Congressman Conyers Kicks Off Congressional App Challenge

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13) announced the launch of the second annual Congressional science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) academic competition, the Congressional App Challenge (CAC), for Michigan’s 13^th Congressional District.  The competition runs from today, November 16 to January 15, 2016.

Designed to promote innovation and engagement in the STEM education fields, the U.S. House of Representatives established this competition in 2013 as a nationwide event that invites high school students from all participating congressional districts to compete by creating and exhibiting their software application, or “app,” for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice.

Local judges will evaluate each app based on the below criteria:

1.      Quality of the Idea (creativity and originality);

2.      Implementation of the Idea (User experience and design); and,

3.      Demonstrated coding skills.

The judging will occur in late January – early February, and the winner will be announced on February 22, 2016.

How Can I Participate?

The Congressional App Challenge is open to all high school students in Michigan’s 13^th Congressional District.  Please note the app competition is only open to students who are eligible to attend high school in the 13^th District.  Individuals submitting on behalf of teams must meet the eligibility requirements for individual contestants.

Students can enter individually or on teams of up to four.  At least two of the team members must reside or attend high school in the district in which they are competing. 

Students participating must submit their app source code between November 16, 2015 and January 15, 2016 (11:59 PM). 

How Do I Register?

To enter, the student must create an account on www.challenge.gov and then register for the House Student App Contest under Congressman Conyers’ profile during the competition submission period.  All entries must be an original in concept, design, and execution. 

For More Information:

For more information, or if you have any questions or concerns, please email Devin Armstrong at Devin.Armstrong@mail.house.gov, or visit congressionalappchallenge.us or https://conyers.house.gov/congressional-app-challenge.

Congressional App Challenge (CAC) Background:

The CAC was created in response to recognition that STEM skills are essential for economic growth and innovation, and that the U.S. has been falling behind on these fronts.  STEM occupations are projected to grow by 17% between 2008 and 2018, compared to 9.8% growth for non-STEM occupations and according to some estimates; the U.S. may be short as many as 3 million high-skilled workers by 2018.  To maintain American global competitiveness, it is crucial that we invest in our youth now and help them acquire these necessary STEM-based skills. 

The CAC highlights and encourages students to pursue those skills.  In its first year, the CAC received submissions from students in 84 districts.  This year, the Challenge is striving to double that number.  Recognizing racial, gender, and other disparities in the tech sector, the CAC focuses on inclusivity and making the Challenge accessible to students from all backgrounds. 

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