Terri Sewell announces 7th District Congressional App Challenge

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App Challenge Website

Alabama U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell announced that Alabama’s 7th Congressional District will be participating in the third annual Congressional App Challenge (CAC).

Student coders have until Nov. 1 to submit their code original mobile, web, or desktop apps for the chance to be selected for recognition, win prizes, and have their work put on display in the Capitol Building in Washington, DC.

“This year’s Congressional App Challenge dares students in my district to think big, test their coding skills, and to build something of their own,” said Sewell. “By developing strong science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills, our students will put themselves in a position to compete for the jobs of tomorrow. I encourage all students to explore STEM education and enter the challenge. As the product of our state’s public schools, I know firsthand how important it is for us to give our youngest generation opportunities to learn about emerging technologies. I cannot wait to see what our students come up with and to recognize our district’s talented young people.”

The CAC is a congressional initiative to encourage student engagement in coding and computer science through local app challenges hosted by the Members of Congress. The challenge was created because Congress recognized that computer science and STEM skills are essential for economic growth and innovation, and that the U.S. is currently experiencing a death of adequately trained technical talent.

By some estimates there are nearly a quarter of a million unfilled programming jobs in the US, right now. Thus, the CAC is a congressional effort to maintain American competitiveness, by proactively inspiring America’s youth and encouraging them to pursue these crucial skills.

The competition is open to all students K-12 who meet eligibility requirements, regardless of  their coding experience. Submissions will be judged by a panel of expert judges and announced on November 21 on the following criteria: quality of the idea, including creativity and originality; implementation of the idea, including user experience and design; and demonstrated excellence of coding and programming skills.

The winner from the 7th District will be featured on CongressionalAppChallenge.us, and the winning app will also be on display in the U.S. Capitol, honoring winners from across the country.

Registration is open now.