Today’s teens and young adults aren’t simply consuming technology; they’re invested in innovation and eager to produce the next big thing. It’s that very reason Congress is tapping the creativity of the next generation to create an app for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice.
The first annual congressional
science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) academic competition is happening nationwide among participating congressional districts. Congressman Marc Veasey, who represents Texas’ newly drawn Congressional District 33, is excited about the House Student App Challenge, inviting local high school students in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area to take part in the competition.“I am proud to announce the STEM Student App Challenge that encourages our youth to demonstrate their tech prowess, re-establishes that jobs in the STEM fields are fun, and inspires our youth to thrive in today’s global market,†said Congressman Veasey.  Veasey, like many other congressmen, took to social media to spread the word, deploying the following Twitter message to his over 2,000 followers:
Students- @DallasISD_News @dallasschools @FortWorth_ISD – Sign up 4 the House #AppChallenge | http://t.co/UwHom3eVIe pic.twitter.com/7aP8uIEqKo
– Rep. Marc Veasey (@RepVeasey) February 5, 2014
Students entering the competition must provide a YouTube or Vimeo video demo explaining their app and what they learned through the competition process. Apps will be judged on their
“originality, ease of use and societal impact or helpfulness,” according to the guidelines.The winning app will be displayed on the U.S. House of Representatives website and in a U.S. Capitol exhibit.All submissions are due on April 30, 2014. For more information on submitting a contest entry, visit the House Student App Challenge website.