App Challenge

CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren is excited to announce that her office is participating in the 2026 Congressional App Challenge! The Congressional App Challenge is designed to encourage innovation by inspiring students to pursue an interest in STEM and computer science. 

To register, click here.

IMPORTANT DATES

• Monday, June 1^st – Challenge Opens
• Monday, October 26^th, 9am PST – Challenge Deadline
• November 2026 – Judging period 
• December 2026 – Winners announced 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• The 2026 Congressional App Challenge is open to students who:
  • Are in middle school or high school by the Challenge Deadline (Oct. 2026)
  • Live or attend a school in California’s 18^th congressional district
  • Are interested in computer science. All skill levels are encouraged to apply! 
• Apps can be created individually or in a team of four
  • Half of the team must reside or attend school in the district 

SUBMISSION CRITERIA

• Topic: The app can be about any topic, but the app should address an issue or a need in the community. 
• Project Type: Students can submit any project that requires code
  • Ex: PC, web, video games, tablet, robot, mobile, AI. etc.
• Code: Projects can use any programming language
  • Ex: C, C++, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, “block code”, etc.
• AI Policy: Students are permitted to utilize AI tools for development components such as research, design, prototyping, troubleshooting, debugging, or support with specific portions of their code. However, students themselves must be responsible for the creation of their project. Students must fully demonstrate how they used AI in their submission materials. 
• Project Completion: Only completed projects will be accepted. Completed projects include: 
  • A video demonstrating the app – ensure that the video link is shareable and accessible to everyone! 
  • A short summary of the app
  • A cover photo for the app
  • Descriptions for:
    • The inspiration for the app
    • Coding language used
    • Technical difficulties encountered
    • Improvements in Version 2.0 of app 
    • Contact information
• The App will be evaluated based on its purpose, impact, function, code, and design 

For more information on the Congressional App Challenge and video tutorials on how to submit the App, visit the official website here: Congressional App Challenge. 

WINNER DETAILS

The winner will be announced in December and will have their app displayed on CongressionalAppChallenge.us and on House.gov for one year. Winners will also be invited to attend the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington D.C. in Spring 2027. Travel and accommodation will be at the winner(s)' expense. Further details will be available later.

Previous Winners

Please click here to see all previous Congressional App Challenge winners nationwide.

Questions and Concerns

• For any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (408)- 271-8700 or email Adrien Villanueva at adrien.villanueva@mail.house.gov