Congressional App Challenge
Submissions for the 2026 Congressional App Challenge are now OPEN!
The deadline to submit your app online is October 26, 2026.
Launched in 2015, the Congressional App Challenge is an annual competition hosted by members of the U.S. House of Representatives for middle and high school students in their districts. This nationwide effort allows students to compete against their peers by creating an original software application (or “app”) for web, PC, tablet, mobile, or any other platform of their choice. Students can use any programming language, and there are no limits on an application theme or topic.
“We need capable young people to pursue computer programming and STEM fields to meet the demands of the changing economy. I encourage all eligible students to participate in this challenge, regardless of their coding experience level. Our district is home to so many bright and talented students creating the apps of the future.” – Rep. Mike Levin
Winners:
The winning team will be flown to Washington DC to demonstrate their app at the U.S Capitol during the annual #HouseOfCode celebration! Winning apps are eligible to be displayed on the official House.gov website and CongressionalAppChallenge.us.
Congressional App Challenge Rules and Guidelines:
See full 2026 rules and guidelines HERE.
Student Eligibility:
- This challenge is open to middle and high school students.
- Students must either reside or attend school in CA-49
- Students can submit an app completed between October 30, 2025 – October 26, 2026.
- Students can submit work completed in the classroom last year, in an afterschool program, summer program, or other extracurricular activity.
Registration:
- To register please go to: CongressionalAppChallenge.us
The competition is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of coding experience. To participate, you must be a middle or high school student at the time of app submission. You may compete as an individual or in a team of up to four people.
For students competing on their own, the student must either live or go to school in the 49th Congressional District. For teams, at least half of the students must either live or go to school in the district.
Background:
This nationwide effort allows students to compete against their peers by creating an original software application (or “app”) for web, PC, tablet, mobile, or any other platform of their choice. Students can use any programming language and there are no limits on an application theme or topic.
The Challenge is intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education. It encourages students to learn to code and inspires them to pursue careers in computer science.
Contact:
Call our Carlsbad District Office (760) 599-500 for any additional questions.
2025 Winner:
Catherine Wang as the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for California’s 49th Congressional District. The local high school student created Heart Angel, an innovative CPR training and emergency response app designed to guide users through performing life-saving techniques. Catherine was inspired to create this app by her deeply personal recognition of the impact that proper CPR timing and technique have on saving lives.
2024 Winner:
Justin Tam won the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for California’s 49th Congressional District. He created FindFoodPantries, an app which creates a central directory for locating nearby food banks to help address food insecurity. Justin was inspired to create the app after volunteering and coming face to face with the issue in his community.