The Congressional App Challenge (CAC) is an annual competition
aimed at encouraging U.S. high school and middle school students
to learn how to code by creating their own applications.
The Challenge is intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education
and encourage students to engage in these fields.
By encouraging and recognizing our nation’s young programming talent, Congress hopes to shine a light on the growing importance of these skills.
About the Congressional App Challenge:
The Congressional App Challenge’s mission is to inspire, include, and innovate efforts around STEM and computer science education. The CAC is an initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives, where Members of Congress host contests in their districts for students, encouraging them to learn to code and inspiring them to pursue careers in computer science.The House of Representatives created the Congressional App Challenge (CAC) through the passage of H. Res 77 in 2013. The non-profit Internet Education Foundation provides the CAC with supplemental staffing and support.
In the first four years of the Congressional App Challenge, the program has yielded 830 App Challenges across 47 states and territories. Since 2015, more than 4,000 functional apps have been created by over 14,000 students, and participant demographics surpass all industry diversity metrics.
In the first four years of the Congressional App Challenge, the program has yielded 830 App Challenges across 47 states and territories. Since 2015, more than 4,000 functional apps have been created by over 14,000 students, and participant demographics surpass all industry diversity metrics.
The 2018 Congressional App Challenge is possible thanks to the generous support of these sponsors:
Capital One
Microsoft Democracy Fund Verizon Foundation Amazon Web Services |
Southwest Airlines
The United Parcel Service BSA (Business Software Alliance) Foundation Synchrony (SYF) Copyright Alliance |
The Challenge also owes gratitude to Representatives Bob Goodlatte and Anna G. Eshoo, co-chairs of the Congressional Internet Caucus, who initiated the creation of the CAC. Representatives French Hill and Suzan DelBene serve as 2018 Challenge co-chairs.