Express your creativity and build technical expertise through hands-on app development
I regularly seek out STEM programs that allow students to apply their interests and skills to real-world projects. For those interested in computer science—whether you’re just starting out or already have programming experience—I’d like to highlight the nationally recognized Congressional App Challenge.
This app competition invites middle and high school students to create and submit original mobile, web, or desktop apps. What makes this particularly exciting is that the App Challenge welcomes anything coded—robots, video games, or pieces of machinery, not just PC or traditional mobile apps—giving students many possibilities to bring their ideas to life. Participants have the opportunity to develop projects around topics they’re passionate about while strengthening their coding abilities and gaining hands-on software development experience.
Register now and start coding your app! Students are invited to submit their original apps through October 30, 2025.
What is the Congressional App Challenge?
Launched in 2015, the Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide annual competition hosted in participating congressional districts to encourage middle and high school students to explore STEM through app development. Each district’s challenge is unique, with winners selected by their local congressional staff, encouraging students to create projects that are personal and relevant to their communities. To date, over 70,000 students have participated, submitting a wide variety of projects – from mobile apps to robotics – that demonstrate creativity, technical skill, and innovation through coding.
Since its inception, the Congressional App Challenge has experienced tremendous growth, now reaching all 50 states and empowering students from every background to engage in coding and innovation. The Challenge has also garnered broad bipartisan support, with 95% of House members participating–412 districts hosted the competition in the 118th Congress, making it one of the most widely supported initiatives in Congress.
“The Challenge was created to help close the tech talent gap in America. It was born out of bipartisan consensus: that America’s leadership in technology depends on investing in the next generation of innovators. Congress wanted to give students from every background a pathway into careers in computer science, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies—fields critical to our national future.” – Tim Lordan, Executive Director of Internet Education Foundation
What Do Students Say About the Experience?
Students consistently describe their experience with the Congressional App Challenge as inspiring, empowering, and educational. Many say the competition sparked their interest in coding or deepened their passion for STEM. One of the most memorable aspects for winners is attending #HouseOfCode in Washington, D.C., where they demo their apps to Members of Congress and connect with fellow young innovators from across the country.
“Over the years, we’ve seen App Challenge alumni go on to top universities, launch startups, and land jobs in tech companies and government agencies. The Challenge doesn’t inspire students, it changes lives.” – Tim Lordan, Executive Director of Internet Education Foundation
What are Some of the Most Popular Types of Submissions?
A large majority of the applications submitted by students nationwide are dedicated to improving someone’s life in their local communities, whether through healthcare guidance, academic encouragement, or community service. Get ideas and see projects from past winners.
How Can a Student Participate?
To be eligible to participate, you must be a middle or high school student at the time of app submission. Students may register individually or as part of a team of up to four. Students may compete in the district where they reside or in the district where they attend school.
I spoke with the Challenge team, and they told me that while students may register as individuals, many choose to work in teams of up to four, with at least half of the teammates being eligible to compete in the district in which they are participating. In the 2024 Congressional App Challenge, 40% of students competed as part of a team.
Teachers nationwide have incorporated the Challenge into in-class projects and after-school programs, with 75% of applications originating from within classrooms. In districts across the country, non-profit organizations have also provided resources to students, ensuring that everyone hoping to participate in the Challenge can do so.
If your school doesn’t offer the Challenge, that’s ok! You can pursue the Challenge on your own or as part of a team.
Do Students Need Prior Coding Experience?
With one-third of participating applications being submitted by beginners, students do not need extensive coding experience to complete an application. However, their project must use some version of a programming language, including but not limited to C, C++, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, “block code,” etc. They are also permitted to utilize any applicable platform, including PC, web, tablet, robot, mobile phone, etc.
Just Learning to Code? Need Support for Your Project?
The Congressional App Challenge provides a range of computer science resources to guide students in developing their coding skills. Apple’s Swift Playground, theCoderSchool, and MIT App Inventor are three strong resources that students can use when developing their applications. Both Swift and theCoderSchool are active sponsors of the Challenge. Online STEM provider Create & Learn offers mentoring classes from June through October, specifically for the Challenge. Get more coding resources on the Congressional App Challenge website.
How the Challenge is Shaping the Next Generation
I have championed the Congressional App Challenge for many years because I believe in the importance of government playing a constructive role in encouraging young people to explore technology. Today’s students represent the next generation of innovators who will drive technological advancement and progress in our country. Congress is giving students the opportunity to showcase what innovation looks like to them. As a result, Congress is getting an inside look and a preview of what is ahead through direct engagement with the youngest constituents in their districts.
Image Credit: Congressional App Challenge and Aaron Schwartz
