Newhouse announces start of congressional app challenge

Rep. Dan Newhouse, representing Washington’s 4th Congressional District, announced the beginning of the 2019 Central Washington Congressional App Challenge on July 10.

The challenge, which takes place until Nov. 1 of this year, encourages students to participate individually or in groups of up to four. The competition is designed to encourage student participation in computer science and coding and highlight the value of a STEM education.

The challenge was established in 2013 and launched by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015. Taking place nationwide, the competition allows students to compete against their peers by creating an app for mobile, tablet or computer devices.

Submissions will be judged on criteria that includes: quality of the idea, including creativity and originality; implementation of the idea, including user experience and design; and demonstrated excellence of coding and programming skills.

The winner from the 4th Congressional District will be chosen by a panel of expert judges. That student will be featured on CongressionalAppChallenge.us, and the winning app will also be on display in the U.S. Capitol.

Last year’s 4th Congressional District winners were Nikhil Devanathan and Aiden Arends of Kennewick High School. Their winning app, Wallet Wise, teaches players how to manage a balanced personal budget to encourage prudent fiscal decision-making.