2024 Congressional App Challenge Winners: Audobon Technology and Communication Center Seniors: Iyanna Bates, Genesis Perez River, Emma Rosales, and Chit Moe Win Oo, pictured with Congresswoman Gwen Moore.
Congressional App Challenge
Every year the CAC provides Member of Congress with an opportunity to acknowledge and honor the talent of creative middle and high school students like yourself who live OR attend school in Wisconsin’s 4th Congressional District. The CAC gives the House of Representatives an opportunity to show the tech sector that it recognizes the importance of Science Technology, Education, and Math (STEM) and takes STEM seriously.
The first-place winner(s) will be eligible to have their app featured on a display in the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. Registration for the 2025 Congressional App Challenge is now open! Click here to register for the 2025 Congressional App Challenge. The deadline is October 30th, 2025 at 11:00 AM CST. Good luck!
You can see the app that won in WI-04 last year by clicking the link here.
Congressional App Challenge rules:
- Students can use any programming language (example: C, C++, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, “block code,” etc.).
- Students can use any platform (PC, web, tablet, robot, mobile, etc.).
- There are no limits on application themes or topics.
- Students may register as individuals or as teams of up to four. No more than four students are allowed to form a team.
- Students may compete in the district they reside in or the district they attend school in.
- If competing as a team, at least half of the teammates must be eligible to compete in the district in which they are participating.
What's the Congressional App Challenge all about?
- The CAC gives YOU the chance to showcase your incredible talents! This isn't just any competition; it's a platform where your creativity takes center stage. Where your creative ideas are recognized by Members of Congress.
- Are you Tech-savvy? If so, this is for you!
- Are you into technology, apps, and all things digital? The CAC is your opportunity to shine! The House of Representatives wants to highlight the importance of your creations and show the tech sector that they take young innovators seriously.
Ready to Participate?
Check if you're eligible (living or attending school in Wisconsin's 4th Congressional District).
Register as an individual or a team
Start brainstorming and creating your awesome app.
Submit your entry and let the magic happen!
App Guidelines:
- TOPIC: The app can be about any topic.
- PLATFORM: The app can be on any platform (web app, desktop/PC app, a web browser extension, robot, Ruby on Rails, mobile, etc.)
- PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE: Use any programming language: C/C++, Objective C, C#, Java, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, PHP, Swift, "block code", etc.
- FUNCTIONALITY: The app must have some degree of functionality to be competitive.
- CONTENT SUITABILITY: The app cannot be indecent, defamatory, in obvious bad taste, demonstrate a lack of respect for public morals or conduct, adversely affect the reputation of congressional districts, or depict hatred, defame, or threaten a specific community in the society or incite violence. Apps containing pornography, obscenity or sexual activity are prohibited. The app must not violate the Intellectual Property, common law or privacy rights of other parties.
- ORIGINALITY: The app must be original and solely owned by the contestant such that no other party has any rights or interest, whether known or unknown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enter?
How do I enter?
What are the judging criteria?
- Quality of the app
- How creative is the app?
- How original is it?
- Does the app address a problem? If so, how creative is the solution?
Can I really win the Congressional App Challenge?
- Yes! Hundreds of students from across the country win the Congressional App Challenge every year. Students only compete against other students within their congressional district, and every participating Member of Congress names a winning team from their district.
Do I have enough time to develop an app before October 30th deadline?
- Absolutely! Apps are graded on creativity, concept, and design. Applications do not need to be technically sophisticated to be honored. Any app coded after October 24th, 2024 is eligible for submissions.
What if I’m not an expert coder?
- 40% of students who participate in the Congressional App Challenge are coding beginners, and many go on to win their district’s App Challenge each year.
Can I submit apps I’ve already created?
- Yes! Any app coded after October 24th, 2024, is eligible for submissions, so projects from the previous school year or summer term may be eligible!
Do the apps have to be political?
- No! Students can code on any topic, using any coding language, for any platform. Many students choose to code apps on civic goods, but there is no limit to what students can create.
What do I need to submit?
In addition to your completed app, you must submit a 1-3 minute demonstration video outlining:
- What your app does
- What tools you used to create your app
- How your app works
Can I work with a team?
- Yes, teams of up to 4 students are allowed. No more than four students are allowed to form a team.
- If you are competing in a team at least two of the students in your team must reside or attend school in Wisconsin’s Fourth Congressional District.
Who can I contact for more help?
· For additional questions, please contact Rep. Moore’s District office at 414-297-1140 or email deon.canon@mail.house.gov.
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