Quigley Announces First Annual Congressional Student App Challenge
CHICAGO—Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) announced the launch of the House Student App Challenge, the first annual Congressional science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) academic competition for high school students in the 5th Congressional District. Designed to promote innovation and engagement in the STEM education fields, this competition is a nationwide event that invites students to create and exhibit their software application, or "app," for mobile, tablet or computer devices on a platform of their choice.
"This is an extraordinary opportunity for students in our district, and I'm excited to help foster their interest in science, technology, engineering and math education," said Rep. Quigley. "Over the next decade there will be an estimated 8.5 million STEM job opportunities but only one million qualified graduates. The House Student App Challenge seeks to address this disparity by encouraging students to create their own app and pursue an education in STEM fields."
The House Student App Challenge is open to all high school students who live in or are eligible to attend public schools located in the 5th Congressional District. More details on submitting a contest entry, the rules of the competition, and helpful programming resources can be found on Rep. Quigley's website or at StudentAppChallenge.house.gov. The winning student's app will be featured on the U.S. House of Representatives' website and will also be displayed in a U.S. Capitol exhibit.
Rep. Quigley is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, a group of Congressional lawmakers that promotes policies that harness American ingenuity, innovation and entrepreneurship to grow our economy and create jobs. Locally he held an event with manufacturers and educators to discuss the critical role science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education plays in the growth of the economy. Rep. Quigley has also met with startup companies at 1871, a digital co-working center, to discuss the importance of high-tech entrepreneurship and ways the federal government can support the industry.
