Shenango Valley News

As the 2024-25 school year begins across Western Pennsylvania, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) announced that the 2024 Congressional App Challenge is now open to all eligible high school students in Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District.

Teachers in Western Pennsylvania are encouraged to have their students participate. The deadline for students to submit their app online is October 24, 2024. However, students are advised to register online before September 30, 2024. The competition welcomes all students who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of coding experience.

"This contest is a great way for students pursuing a career in engineering or computer science to showcase their skills and to put into practice what they have learned in the classroom," Rep. Kelly said. "STEM is an incredibly important part of a student's education as they prepare for college and the workforce. I encourage all eligible students in the 16th Congressional District to participate and test their skills."

The criteria for participation include:

- Students must be middle or high school students at the time of app submission.

- Students may register as individuals or as teams of up to four members.

- Students can compete in either the district they reside in or the district where they attend school.

- If competing as a team, at least half of the teammates must be eligible to compete in the district where they are participating.

For further information about the Congressional App Challenge, visit www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us or email program coordinator Julie Swartfager at Julie.Swartfager@mail.house.gov.

Below are the winners of the 2023 competition for Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District:

1st Place:

Project: "The Funny"

Team: Quinlin Howison & Elijah Seybert

School: Knoch High School

2nd Place:

Project: "Homeworker"

Team: Gavin Danehy, Daniel Bogacz, Kaidyn Curran

School: Knoch High School

3rd Place (tie):

Project: "Frogs on a Pond"

Team: Abby Markiewicz & Talon Smith

School: Knoch High School

3rd Place (tie):

Project: "Help the Fish Escape!"

Team: Elliot McMeekin & Tristen Janoski

School: Knoch High School