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Congressman Randy Hultgren

Representing the 14th District of ILLINOIS

STEM Competition

2014 Congressional STEM Competition: The House App Contest

UPDATE: The winner of the 2014 House App Contest has been announced! Please click here for more information.

U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren is excited to announce the first annual Congressional Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Academic Competition, the “House App Contest" for high school students from the 14th District of Illinois.  The competition is a nationwide event that allows high school students from across the country to compete by creating and exhibiting their software application, or “app,” for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice.  This new competition is designed to engage student’s creativity and encourage their participation in STEM education fields.  Throughout the completion period, participating students will be provided opportunities to engage with various STEM educational partners located within the community to mentor and assist them with their app development.

The “House App Contest” is open to all high school students in the 14th Congressional District. Students entering the competition must submit their app’s source code online during the Competition Submission Period between 12 PM Eastern Standard Time on FEBRUARY 1ST, 2014, and 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time on APRIL 30TH, 2014, as well as provide a YouTube or VIMEO video demo explaining their app and what they learned through this competition process. Submitted apps will be judged by a panel of individuals within the academic, software and entrepreneurial fields, and winners will be selected at the end of May.

The winning student’s app in each participating congressional district, including the 14th District, will be featured on the House of Representatives’ website (www.House.gov), as well as on display in a U.S. Capitol exhibit. Additional details on the House App Contest are listed below and are available at http://studentappchallenge.house.gov/.

For any additional questions, please contact Amber Johnson in Rep. Hultgren’s Washington, D.C. office at 202-225-2976.

Submitting Your App

All apps must be submitted through the www.challengepost.gov website. Each entry must include a link to your Application Demonstration Video, uploaded to either YouTube or VIMEO video, that explains and outlines your application. Please note that your entry may be judged in its entirety based on this video. It is important to demonstrate the scope and quality of your application in this video. No more than two minutes in length.

Participants have the choice of creating a fully-functioning application OR designing a detailed mock-up of an application concept. Both options can be submitted through the Application Demonstration Video.

To enter, students must create an account on www.challengepost.com and then register for the House Student App Contest under their participating Member of Congress’ profile during the Competition Submission Period. All entries must be an original in concept, design and execution.

  1. Register for the House Student App Challenge
  2. Register at http://www.challengepost.com

Can I Participate?

The Competition is open only to high school students who reside in the 14th District or who are eligible to attend public high school in the district. Individuals submitting on behalf of teams must meet the eligibility requirements for individual contestant. High school students who live in or are eligible to enroll in high schools located in the 14th District can participate.  You can check to see if you live, or your high school is located, in the 14th District here.

Key Dates

  • February 1, Contest Opens
  • April 30, Contest Closes
  • May 30,  Participating Members submit winners to the House

Resources for Students and Teachers

FAQ

What is the contest?

The Congressional STEM Competition was authorized by H.Res 77 to encourage student participation in STEM fields.  Initially the competition will be in the field of computer science.  Participating students in the district will develop an app on a platform of their choice.  The Member will appoint judges to evaluate the apps and select winners.

Who can participate?

High School students who live in or are eligible to enroll in high schools located in the 14th District can participate.

Can homeschooled students participate?

Yes, any student who lives in or is eligible to attend high school in the district can compete.

Will there be an event in D.C. at the end of the competition?

At this time, there is not a D.C. event planned for the contest. 

How will the winners be recognized?

Winners will be recognized in a district awards ceremony. The overall winner from each district will be featured on House.gov. There will be a display in the Capitol to honor all of the district winners.

What will they submit for the contest?

Students will submit a demonstration video of their app along with an entry form.  The source code for the app must be available for inspection by the judges.

Can students submit in teams?

Yes.  The maximum team size is four students, two of whom must reside in or be eligible to attend high school in the district.

Is this only open to high schoolers?

Yes, only high school students can participate.

How are apps judged?

Apps are scored by the idea, implementation, and impact.