The Congressional App Challenge is a competition to engage students from across America in computer science and coding.
Officially launced in 2015, the effort allows students to compete against their peers by creating an application (or app) for desktop/PC, web, tablet, mobile, raspberry Pi or other devices. We accept any programming language, such as C, C++, Java, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, or "block code." The Challenge is designed to promote innovation and engagement in computer science and STEM education.
The challenge is open to all high school students in the 16th Congressional District of Illinois. Students who wish to enter the competition must submit their app to https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/students/ during the Competition Submission Period.
You can visit the official Congressional App Challenge website: https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/
Past Winners:
2025: IL-16 Rep. Darin LaHood: Kavi Praanesh for the app MeloCognia
2024: IL-16 Rep. Darin LaHood: Saaketh Bhojanam, Sohum Mehta, Abhilash Polu, and Sonit Sahoo for the app: BiteSense
2023: IL-16 Rep. Darin LaHood: Neel Kansara, Hariom Thaker, and Sanjit Perumalla for the app: MediLingua
2022: IL-18 Rep. Darin LaHood: Wardiyah Rammazy for the app: Dismillah
2021: IL-18 Rep. Darin LaHood: William Sila for the app: RainbowSixSiegeSi
2020: IL-18 Rep. Darin LaHood: Nehal Tangudu for app: Timeline of The Universe
2019: IL – 18 Rep. Darin LaHood: Cassidy Miles-Coleman, Katrina Crawford, Aditi Tripathi, and Brianna Hill for the app: Wildlife Prairie Park
2018: IL-18 Rep. Darin LaHood: Matthew Pudik for the app: Space Mission
2017: IL-18 Rep. Darin LaHood: Ruby Hirshmann, Mariah Cooley, Shaelyn Johnson, and Montreal Thomas for the app: Peoria Riverfront Museum App
2026 IMPORTANT DATES:
June 1: Application opened to Students
October 26: Student applications due by 12:00PM ET
November: Judging period
December: Winners announced!
December 7-14: Computer Science Education Week
Spring 2027: #HouseofCode 2027
Please reach out to Congressman LaHood's Peoria Office at (309) 671-7027 with any additional questions.
