Congressman Jason Chaffetz announced the participation of Utah’s Third Congressional District in the second annual Congressional App Challenge (CAC) – an app design competition for U.S. high school students who are learning coding skills.
“Utah has so many promising young students – digital natives who have grown up using technology. We need to facilitate the development of STEM-based skills that will sustain Utah’s robust economy. Recognizing today’s young innovators will help us build tomorrow’s cutting edge workforce,” Chaffetz said.
The Challenge registration period is now open. Apps can be submitted through January 15, 2016. The competition is open to all high school students, regardless of their level of coding experience. Students may work individually or in groups and students of all skill levels are encouraged to participate.
A panel of local judges will evaluate student entries and select winners to be honored by Rep. Chaffetz and featured on a display in the United States Capitol.
The CAC was created by Congress in 2013 to acknowledge the critical role of STEM skills in this nation’s economic future. As countries around the world compete for the most viable industries and technologies, the demand for STEM-based skills is projected to grow by 17% by 2018, compared to a 9.8% growth rate for non-STEM occupations. According to some estimates, the U.S. may be short as many as 3 million high-skilled workers by 2018. By investing in our youth now, we can work to maintain American competitiveness in the global marketplace.
During its first year, the CAC received submissions from students in 84 Congressional districts, including Utah’s 3rd District. This year, the Challenge is striving to double that number. The Internet Education Foundation will be serving as the operational “sponsor” for the CAC. For further information and instructions about the Congressional App Challenge, please visitcongressionalappchallenge.us.
