Mount Vernon Students Compete in #WestchesterSmart Mobile App Development Bowl

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Dozens of teams, including one from Nellie A. Thornton High School, are competing in the 3rd Annual #WestchesterSmart Mobile App Development Bowl, an initiative started by Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino and Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

The contest is designed to put the best young technology minds to work building mobile applications that will improve life for people age 65 and older. More than 440 students are registered to compete in this year’s Mobile App Development Bowl – the biggest yet – representing Westchester, Rockland, New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and even as far away as Scotland.

On Friday, teams attended workshops at Pace’s Pleasantville campus, where they received coaching from industry experts on how to fine-tune the design, coding and presentation of their apps.

“We are so proud of all of you in this room,” County Executive Robert P. Astorino told a room full of students.

Seniors at Nellie A. Thornton High School in Mount Vernon, Samantha Jagmohan and Savika Balran are developing an app called “Pointers,” which offers a range of health, nutrition and everyday tips to seniors.

“I think it’s going to be empowering for them,” said Jagmohan, 17. “They’re getting to an older age, but they can still take care of themselves. It’s a way to monitor these things for themselves without being told what to do.”

Dr. Jonathan Hill, Dean of the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University, said, “Three years ago, we had 170 registered participants. Last year’s contest had more than 250. This year we’re at 440. I think we are on to something here, Mr. Astorino. I think we have tapped into some real talent.”

Contestants will present their final apps during the Judging and Awards Ceremony at Pace University on April 28, vying for cash prizes, paid internships, tech gear and bragging rights.

To learn more about the contest or to become a judge, volunteer or sponsor, please visit the website or emailMobileAppContest@pace.edu.