Congressman Donovan Launches App Challenge For Students
Congressman Dan Donovan announced a district-wide app challenge as part of the U.S. House of Representatives’ focus on advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education today.
Students (ages 13 and up) of all backgrounds and skill levels that go to school in the 11th Congressional District — which includes parts of in southern Brooklyn and Staten Island — may submit their original apps by January 15.
The winning apps will be exhibited on a digital display in the U.S. Capitol building for a year following the competition.
“To compete in a 21st century global economy, our students must enter the workforce with unprecedented technological savvy,” said Donovan. “Today’s entrepreneurs can build successful companies with just a desk, a computer, and an idea. I’m excited to see what our students develop – with the right skill-set, there are no limits to what they can achieve.”
A panel of three local judges – including Anthony Rapacciuolo, John Abi-Habib, and Frank Floridia – will announce winners on February 22. The judges commended the congressman for his efforts and expressed high hopes for the creativity of the next generation.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what the students create. Hats off to our Congressman for recognizing the importance of digital technology and giving these students an opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent,” said Rapacciuolo, owner of PRcision LLC, a public relations, marketing and events company.
“I’m excited to review the students’ work. This generation grew up surrounded by digital technology, and the next major tech breakthrough could come from a teenager tinkering in the garage,” added John Abi-Habib, founder of MSI & mCloudServ, which focuses on improving the classroom and empowering students through technology.
Frank Floridia, founder of Electoral Media, which specializes in web development and digital strategy, said, “I look forward to reviewing student app submissions. Thanks to growing up in a digital environment, young people not only represent the segment of the population who are fastest to adopt new technology, they are the next generation of developers and entrepreneurs who will change the world with their own ideas and applications.”
Donovan’s office has already reached out to local schools to encourage their students to participate. For more information, interested contestants may visit www.donovan.house.gov/Challenge or contact Joseph Kalmin in Donovan’s office at (202) 225-3371.
Judging Criteria
Each entrant must submit a short video showcasing the created app. Judges will choose winners based on:
- Quality of the idea: How creative is the app? How original is it? Does the app address a problem? If so, how creative is the solution?
- Implementation of the idea: Did the student consider the user experience? Did the student give thought to the app design?
- Demonstrated excellence of coding and programming skills: Did the student display understanding of the tools the student used? Did the student demonstrate an understanding of how to code?
How to Enter
Step 1: Check eligibility on Challenge.gov & register.
Step 2: Select Representative Donovan’s challenge page
Step 3: Submit contact information
Step 4: CREATE YOUR APP!
Step 5: Submit app and demonstration video.
Step 6: Fill out exit questionnaire
After you’ve submitted your app on challenge.gov, you will receive a final questionnaire via e-mail. You must fill out this questionnaire for your app to be evaluated; it’s the final step required for your submission to be complete.