Press Contact Information

  • Twitter Widget

Print

Paulsen Announces Winner of Congressional STEM Competition

Washington, D.C.– Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) announced the winner of the first-ever Congressional Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Competition. Sam Schooler, a student at Edina High School, won the top prize with his Smartphone application, “Runbow.” Runbow, as described in a video by Schooler, is a game that involves keeping a white object on a colorful, scrolling trail by tilting the phone back and forth.  

“When I announced this competition a few months ago, I knew students would come up with some ingenious apps,” said Paulsen. “All of the entries show the creativity and skills that many of our students are developing to compete for the jobs of tomorrow. Sam’s app showed both an understanding for what people look for in Smartphone game design and the tech know-how to build it.”

Last year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.Res. 77, the Academic Competition Resolution to authorize this competition. Congressman Paulsen majored in Mathematics in college and actively encourages students to pursue education in the STEM fields. 

Congressman Paulsen with winner Sam Schooler

Participants were asked to create an innovative software application, or “app,” for a computer, tablet, or mobile device. As the winning app, Runbow will be featured on the House of Representatives website, House.gov. The competition was open to students in grades nine through twelve residing or attending school in Minnesota’s Third Congressional District.

A panel of local judges with expertise in the tech field evaluated the apps based on their concept, design, and execution.

Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.

For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov.

###