Kathleen Rice Announces 2017 Congressional App Challenge

U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice announced that New York’s fourth district will participate in the 2017 Congressional App Challenge, a contest designed to encourage high school students to learn how to code and create their own software applications for mobile devices or tablets.

The Congressional App Challenge is open to all high school students who live or attend school in the district (there is no age minimum; students below high school age are also eligible). Whether they’re experienced coders or want to learn for the first time, any creative students with an idea for their own app can apply as an individual or in teams of up to four. The contest is open until Nov. 1. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges, and their apps will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol.

In 2016, the first year Rice’s office participated in the Congressional App Challenge, four students from Mineola High School won the contest with their app, Ciao Chow, which helps senior citizens and people with disabilities and emotional difficulties find dogs in need of care or adoption. One of the judges noted that such an app had the potential to be used as a therapeutic tool in the future.

For the complete rules of the contest, click here. And to fill out an entry form, click here.

"The Congressional App Challenge is an excellent opportunity to get young people in our district excited about coding and help them develop computer-based skills that are becoming essential in the 21st century economy," Rice said. "I encourage any interested students in our district to apply, and I can’t wait to see what great ideas you bring to life."

Visit http://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/ for more information, or contact Tom Curry in Rice’s District Office by calling (516) 739-3008 or emailing Tom.Curry@mail.house.gov.

Photo: Kathleen Rice's office