Fulcher announces 2019 app challenge

WASHINGTON, DC — Rep. Russ Fulcher announced that he will be hosting the Congressional App Challenge, an app competition for middle and high school students, in Idaho’s First Congressional District.

The challenge’s submission portal is now open. Students are encouraged to register online by September 10th before submitting their app by Nov. 1. The competition is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of coding experience. The CAC accepts computer programs (or apps) written in any programming language, for any platform (desktop/PC, web, mobile, raspberry Pi, etc.).

Students of all skill levels are encouraged to participate and learn how to create their own apps. Winners will be selected by panels of judges drawn from the local community and honored at an award ceremony. The winning app will be eligible to be featured on display in the U.S. Capitol building, on house.gov, and on the Congressional App Challenge website.

“This competition encourages students to engage in the world of STEM alongside their peers — this is a good thing for not only students, but also our state as a whole,” Fulcher said. “We need more young people to pursue these types of STEM careers and I have no doubt the Congressional App Challenge will uncover a new passion in many students who participate. Good luck to all of the participants; I can’t wait to see what you create!”

The CAC was created because Congress recognized that STEM and computer-based skills are essential for economic growth and innovation and that the U.S. has been falling behind on these fronts. By some estimates, the U.S. may be short by as many as 1 million programmers by 2020. These are high-paying, high-demand jobs. To maintain American competitiveness, it’s crucial that the United States invests in our youth now and helps them acquire these valuable skills. The CAC encourages students to pursue those skills and recognizes them for their efforts.

For further information about the Congressional App Challenge, please visit www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us, or contact Jackie Phillips in Rep. Fulcher’s Meridian office by calling 208-888-3188 or by emailing Jackie.Phillips@mail.house.gov.