Dear Constituent,

Today, marks the inaugural National App Challenge Day which celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of the Congressional App Challenge, amplifies the Congress’ commitment to computer science education, and raises the importance of K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education across our nation.

On this day, I am pleased to announce that applications for the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for Maryland’s 7th Congressional District are OPEN. The Congressional App Challenge is a way for Members of Congress to encourage middle and high school students to learn to code and to inspire them to pursue careers in computer science. Students have the opportunity to create and submit their original apps for a chance to win the Challenge.

Students can register as individuals or in teams of up to four and submit their original apps by October 24, 2024. The competition is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of coding experience. 

The Congressional App Challenge spotlighted the winner of the 2021 Challenge from Maryland's 7th Congressional District, entitled Strokebase, in the piece found by CLICKING HERE.

CLICK HERE or on the image above to view the 2021 winner from our Congressional District, Jerry He from Marriotts Ridge High School, providing a tutorial for his app, Strokebase.  

More information on competition rules and how to apply for the Challenge can be found by CLICKING HERE. 

The winner of the Congressional App Challenge in Maryland's 7th Congressional District will be selected by a panel of judges drawn from local communities. The winning student(s) will have their app displayed on Capitol Hill and on the U.S. House of Representatives Official Website for one year.

In addition to having their app displayed, the winning student(s) will also have copyright registration application fees waived through the Artistic Recognition for Talented Students (ARTS) Act. The student(s) will then be invited to the #HouseOfCode celebration.

Over just the past few decades, our society and modern life as a whole has become completely intertwined with technology. Technology has changed the way we work, shop, exercise, travel, and function in ways that were once conceived as mere science fiction. 

Computer science, engineering, and other STEM fields will become essential as technology continues to advance. The Congressional App Challenge is a way to welcome students into these thrilling fields while also allowing those with previous coding experience the chance to hone their skills. 

Baltimore is ripe with talent, and I look forward to seeing the creative ideas and innovations that are unleashed as a result of this competition. 

Sincerely,

Kweisi Mfume
Member of Congress