2025 Congressional App Challenge Returns!

Are you a middle or high school student in California's 19th Congressional District with a spark of creativity and an interest in technology? Here's an exciting opportunity to turn your bright ideas into reality: the Congressional App Challenge!

Launched by the U.S. House of Representatives, this nationwide competition invites students like you to dive into the world of coding and computer science by designing and developing your very own original applications. It's more than just a contest; it's a chance to flex your problem-solving muscles, learn valuable new skills, and gain national recognition for your hard work.  

What's the Challenge All About?

The Congressional App Challenge is designed to inspire the next generation of tech leaders and innovators. It provides a platform for students to explore the power of technology and its potential to solve real-world problems or simply create something fun and engaging.  

Here's what you need to know:

  • Who can participate? The challenge is open to all middle and high school students residing in California's 19th Congressional District.  

  • Go solo or team up: You can participate individually or collaborate with friends to form a team of up to four students.  

  • Your vision, your code: Feel free to develop apps for any platform you choose – whether it's for smartphones, tablets, computers, or even the web. The programming language is also entirely up to you! Let your creativity guide your technical choices.

  • The clock is ticking: All submissions must be received by 12:00 PM EST on October 30, 2025. Make sure to plan your development time accordingly!  

  • Recognition on a national stage: The winning app from our district will be selected by a panel of expert judges who will evaluate creativity, technical skill, and the overall impact of the app. The winning app may be featured on the official Congressional App Challenge website (CongressionalAppChallenge.us) and could even be displayed in the U.S. Capitol – a fantastic way to showcase your talent!  

Ready to Take the Plunge?

This is your chance to transform your ideas into tangible applications and gain valuable experience in the exciting field of computer science. Imagine the possibilities – you could design an app to help your community, create a fun game, or develop a tool to make everyday tasks easier.

How to Get Involved:

If you're ready to embark on this exciting journey, head over to the official registration page at: congressionalappchallenge.us/students/student-registration. There, you'll find all the detailed information you need to get started, including guidelines, rules, and helpful resources.

Have Questions? We're Here to Help!

If you have any questions about the Congressional App Challenge, don't hesitate to reach out. You can contact Jimmy Panetta’s Monterey District Office at 831-424-2229 or send an email to erin.davison@mail.house.gov.