Congressional App Challenge

The Congressional App Challenge is a national competition that allows students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) to design, create and demonstrate an original application for a computer, tablet, or phone. Third District students will compete against each other to have their app posted online on the official Congressional App Challenge website.

The Congressional App Challenge is open to middle and high school students who live or study in Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District. The winner will be selected by a panel of volunteer judges from the Third District. The winning app will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol and shown on the official U.S. House of Representatives website. Additionally, the winners will be invited to the #HouseOfCode event in Washington, D.C.

Students can compete as individuals or in teams of up to four members. Registration is available here. The deadline for 2025 Congressional App Challenge submissions is Thursday, October 30th, 2025 at 11:00 AM CT. Winners will be announced in December 2025.

Requirements:

The parameters surrounding each submission are included below:

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.

Students and educators with questions about the Congressional App Challenge should contact the La Crosse Office at (608) 782-2558 or visit congressionalappchallenge.us.