Congressman Randy Hultgren (IL-14) started a STEM Scholar program last year, and now he’s encouraging 14th CD STEM students to participate in an exciting challenge to come make STEM apps for mobile, tablet or computers.
If you know of a STEM-minded youngster, check out this opportunity …
Hultgren Announces the 2017 Congressional App Challenge for High School Students
Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) has announced that the annual Congressional App Challenge (CAC) for high school students in the 14th Congressional District has launched and will be accepting submissions through November 1, 2017. The competition is designed to engage students’ creativity and encourage their participation in STEM education fields, allowing students to compete by creating and exhibiting their software application, or “app,” for mobile, tablet or computer devices on a platform of their choice. Students may work in groups of up to four members to learn and grow as a team.
“Our nation has a strong track record of innovative and technological achievement. STEM education is critical for our nation to continue to lead, and for our students to pursue and thrive in the careers of tomorrow,” said Rep. Hultgren. “Learning computer code alongside young students, I have seen the strong promise of our next generation of pioneers and innovators. This competition is a great way students can showcase their ideas and technical know-how, and even attract the interest of regional innovators and start-ups. I am excited to see what inventive apps students in the 14th District create to solve everyday problems and enhance our lives.”
Last year, the nationwide competition received submissions from students in 123 congressional districts with more than 2150 participants. Alan Koval of St. Charles East High School was selected as the 14th District Winner by area judges for his app, “Koval’s 3D Grapher.” Koval also won the National Merit PPG Foundation Community Scholarship, a competition among 1.5 million high school applicants across the country. He will be attending the University of Minnesota and plans to double major in mathematics and computer science.
The 2017 Congressional App Challenge submission period runs through November 1, 2017. 14th District winners will be selected by a panel of local judges and recognized by Congressman Hultgren. The apps will be featured on a display in the U.S. Capitol building.
Students wishing to submit applications for the CAC can submit their application online. Additional information can be found at www.congressionalappchallenge.us, and on Rep. Hultgren’s website at http://hultgren.house.gov/serving-you/stem-competition, or by phone at 202-225-2976.
Rep. Hultgren is a member of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee and is co-chair of the STEM Education Caucus in the U.S. House. He recently celebrated the graduation of his inaugural STEM Scholars class. The youth leadership program encourages highly-motivated and energetic high school students to become ambassadors in their communities for the possibilities provided by science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).