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2025 Congressional App Challenge
WASHINGTON — The Congressional App Challenge is the most prestigious prize in student computer science. Participation in the challenge has grown exponentially and has reached underserved, diverse, and rural student populations.
This challenge is transforming how Congress views computer science and STEM. Since the challenge was first announced, Congressional mentions of computer science and coding have increased by 2,000% — thanks to the talented STEM students across the nation, including those in East Tennessee!
Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger issued the following statement:
“The STEM field is one of the fastest-growing industries around the world. The future of just about every industry — from manufacturing to farming — is centered around STEM.
“The Congressional App Challenge provides an incredible opportunity for students across Tennessee’s First District to highlight their technical skills in innovation and coding by creating an app for smartphones, tablets, desktops, and other devices.
“Last year, we had incredible submissions, including our first-place winner, Graham Mefford from University School. His app, Stridease, helps users monitor and maintain their foot health. With the amount of walking I do around Congress — I really appreciated this one! Our second-place winner, Ryan Zheng of Science Hill High School, developed EcoQuest, an app designed to empower individuals to protect the environment through fun challenges that encourage recycling.
“I can’t wait to see what our incredible students will create this year!”
To be eligible to participate in the Congressional App Challenge, students must be enrolled in middle or high school at the time of app submission. Students may register individually or in teams of up to four. No more than four students are allowed per team.
Students may compete in the district where they reside or where they attend school. If competing as a team, at least half of the team members must be eligible to compete in the district in which they are participating. All competing students must be U.S. residents at the time of submission.
Students can use any programming language (C, C++, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, “block code,” etc.) and any platform (PC, web, tablet, robot, mobile, etc.). There are no limits on application theme or topic.
A full list of rules is available HERE.
Registration for the contest is open now and will close on October 30, 2025. Students are encouraged to register online before submitting their completed app by the deadline.
Full details about the contest can be found on Congresswoman Harshbarger’s website or on the Congressional App Challenge website. |
