Congressional App Challenge
What is the Congressional App Challenge?
The Congressional App Challenge (CAC) is a competition aimed at encouraging U.S. high school students to create and submit their own app for the chance at receiving national recognition. This annual competition is hosted by Members of Congress as a way to encourage students to learn how to code and develop a digital project from start to finish. Students are able to compete on their own or as a team of up to four of their peers.
Who is eligible?
Students enrolled in middle or high school by the last day of the competition, ending on October 24th, 2024, may participate in the Congressional App Challenge.
If you reside outside of the First District, please visit this link to see if your representative is participating.
Rules
Students are only eligible to compete in districts that have signed up for the challenge and each student may only compete in one district. Students can compete in districts in which they live, or the district in which they attend school.
There are no limits to the application, theme or topic of the app developed by participants. Get as creative as you can! Students are permitted to use any programming language such as: C, C++, Java, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, etc., and may use any platform such as PC, web, tablet, robot, Raspberry Pi, or mobile. The app must have some degree of functionality for it to be competitive.
The app cannot be indecent, defamatory, or demonstrate lack of respect for public morals or conduct. Furthermore, it may not adversely affect the reputation of Congressional districts, depict hatred or violence, or threaten a specific community.
For a complete list of the Congressional App Challenge rules, click HERE.
Key Dates
The app challenge will begin taking submissions on May 1st, 2024 through October 24th, 2024.
The judging period begins once all students have submitted their final product. The judging timeline is as follows:
- October 28th - the first day offices may start judging student applications.
- The winner of the Congressional App Challenge for the First District of Texas will be announced between December 9th and December 31st.
How Do I Start?
To get started in the Congressional App Challenge, click on this link to begin your registration: https://webportalapp.com/sp/login/congressional_app_challenge_2024
What Do I Need to Submit?
Your complete submission should include:
- A sign-up form (Students must fill out a sign-up form so their eligibility can be verified.)
- If students are competing as part of a team, the sign-up form must include the relevant information from each student.
- Completed demonstration video uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo, or any other video-hosting site.
A Demonstration Video
- Your video should be no more than 3 minutes, and should do the following:
- Explain the purpose of your app.
- Explain who your intended audience is.
- Mention what tools and languages you used to create your app.
- Show how your app would be used.
Once you’ve created your video, upload it to YouTube or Vimeo and include the link on the Congressional App Challenge submission form. Make sure the video viewing option is set to public. If it is not set to public, the judges will not be able to see it.
Students will be asked to answer a series of questions including:
- Title of the app.
- The coding language used.
- What were they trying to accomplish and why?
- An explanation of a difficulty they faced in programming the app and how it was overcome.
- What improvements the students would make if they were going to create a version 2.0 of their app?
Exit Questionnaire
- This exit survey will be emailed to all students following the submission of their app.
How Do I Submit My App?
- Apps must be submitted to CongressionalAppChallenge.us on or before October 24th, 2024.
I’ve Submitted My App - Now What?
At the close of the submission period, October 24th, our office will pass all submitted apps to our panel of judges. Judging will take place shortly after the deadline submission date and the winner of the First District Congressional App Challenge will be announced before the end of 2024. Winners of the National App Challenge will be announced in January of 2025.
Questions?
If you have further questions please contact my office at (903) 561-6349 or email at moranstudentservices@mail.house.gov. You can also visit the Congressional App Challenge website here.
