Congresswoman Shea-Porter announces 2017 Congressional App Challenge

High school students encouraged to submit apps by Nov. 1

Congresswomen Carol Shea-Porter is calling for entries for the 2017 Congressional App Challenge, a competition aimed at encouraging U.S. high school students to learn how to code by creating their own apps.

The Challenge was created in 2015, in response to Congress’ recognition of the importance of STEM and computer-based skills to continue 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 as many as a million programmers by 2020, said Shea-Porter’s office. 

“I am excited to announce today’s call for entries, and I’m encouraging high school students in New Hampshire’s First District to hone their creativity and technical skills by entering the App Challenge,” said Shea-Porter in a press release last week. 

The competition is open to all New Hampshire high school students who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of coding experience. Shea-Porter strongly encourages students of all skill levels to participate and learn how to create their own apps. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and be given Congressional recognition for their achievements in STEM and Computer Science. Winners’ apps may be eligible to be featured in a display in the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. and on the Congressional App Challenge website.

The deadline for entries is Wednesday, November 1st. For more information or to submit an entry, constituents may visit shea-porter.house.gov/services/appchallenge.  For further information about the Congressional App Challenge, visit www.congressionalappchallenge.us.