Congressional App Challenge

Congressional App Challenge Logo

The Congressional App Challenge aims to engage students’ creativity and encourage youth participation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Established in 2013, the nationwide competition highlights the importance of STEM education as students prepare to enter the contemporary, tech-driven world. The winning app will be featured on the U.S. House of Representatives’ website and displayed in a special U.S. Capitol exhibit along with the winners from other states and districts.

As a strong supporter of STEM education, Scott believes the most important investment we can make is in the next generation who will go on to power San Diego’s innovation economy. The competition is a chance for students to develop STEM skills, embrace their creativity, learn about the variety of STEM applications, and recognize the limitless possibilities of coding and computer design.

Middle and high school students from San Diego, Coronado, San Marcos, and Escondido are invited to compete by designing, creating, and showcasing their very own software application. The apps can be made for mobile, tablet, or computer devices and can be constructed on any platform.

If you have any questions about the competition or submission guidelines please contact Scott's District Office: 858-455-5550.

 

2024 Winner

Matthew DuBois and Luke Graham of the La Jolla Country Day School, submitted the app “CheckPoint Student.” Students consistently had free periods first in their schedule, requiring them to drop what they were doing in the library and walk across campus to write their names down on a clipboard. CheckPoint Student saves time by allowing students to securely sign in at the location of a tag in a classroom or library, without saving location data or invading students’ privacy. Instead, it utilizes Near Field Communication (NFC) scanning, similar to a contactless payment system like Apple or Google Pay. The CheckPoint Student app can also help account for students in emergencies, take attendance for clubs, and integrate with other services.

Can I Participate?

The competition is open to students who reside or attend school in California’s 50th Congressional District and who will be enrolled in middle or high school in the fall of 2025. Students can compete in a team of up to four students, as long as half of the team lives or goes to school in a competing Congressional District. Individuals submitting on behalf of teams must meet the eligibility requirements for individual contestants. 

Students can submit any coded project—on any topic, built for any platform, using any programming language. This includes mobile apps, websites, games, robots, wearable tech, and more. The app must have been completed between October 24th, 2024-October 30th, 2025, whether in the classroom last year, in an afterschool program, summer program, or other extracurricular activity. 

More information on rules can be found here.

How Can I Enter?

  • Submissions for the 2025 Congressional App Challenge are now open. The deadline to submit your app online is October 30, 2025 at 12:00pm EST.

  • Note: All entries must be original in concept, design, and execution.

REGISTER HERE

 

Resources for Students and Teachers