U.S. Rep. Rush Announces Opening Of Congressional App Challenge

CHICAGO — Middle and high school students in the 1st Congressional District are invited to enter the 2021 Congressional App Challenge. U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush’s office is now taking submissions. Students can register individually or as a team.

Staff from Congressman Rush’s office are hosting two virtual information sessions at 4 p.m. July 21 and Sept. 22, for teachers students and parents who would like to learn more about the challenge. Register for the July 21 session HERE and the Sept. 22 session HERE.

Every year, members of Congress host Congressional App Challenges in their districts as part of a nationwide program, in partnership with the Internet Education Foundation, to foster an appreciation for computer science, teach students how to code, and encourage students to learn valuable STEM-based skills.

“The Congressional App Challenge is an excellent opportunity for middle and high schoolers in our District to showcase their talent and creativity and learn new skills,” Rush said in a news release. “STEM careers are well-paid, in high demand, and give individuals the opportunity to be on the cutting edge of innovation and scientific discovery. I encourage all interested and eligible students in the 1st District, regardless of their level of prior experience, to attend our information sessions and register for the Congressional App Challenge individually or as part of a team.”

The CAC is open to all students who meet the eligibility criteria and reside in the 1st Congressional District, regardless of coding experience. Entrants may compete individually or in teams of up to four students — if competing in a team, at least half of the team must reside or attend school in the 1st District.

Participating students will develop a software application in any programming language (example: C, C++, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, “block code,” etc.) for any platform (PC, web, tablet, robot, mobile, etc.), and then create and upload a three-minute video to YouTube, Vimeo, or any other video-hosting site explaining how the app works and what they learned by participating in the contest. All apps must be designed after October 1, 2020.

A panel of judges will select the winning entries, and the winning app from the 1st Congressional District will be featured on House.gov and CongressionalAppChallenge.us. CAC winners may also be eligible to have their app featured as part of a display in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

The deadline for submissions is November 1. For additional information, guidelines, and to register for the CAC, students should visit the Congressional App Challenge.