StreetsUp wins Rep. Kim Schrier’s 2023 Congressional App Challenge in Washington’s Eighth District
Rep. Schrier has named Shaan Kalgaonkar, Arindam Sanyal, Kritish Alli, and Winston Luo of Eastlake High School as the winners of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge in Washington’s Eighth District.
When asked what inspired the creation of StreetsUp, the students said, “Our inspiration behind creating StreetsUp runs deep, rooted in our belief that every young person, regardless of their past struggles, deserves a chance at a brighter future. We were motivated to develop this app by witnessing the challenges and hardships faced by teenagers who have been displaced, whether due to family issues, homelessness, or other circumstances.
Seeing resilient young individuals navigate a world of uncertainty without the same resources that are available to us ignited a desire to provide support. We wanted to offer a lifeline to those who needed it the most. The Congressional App Challenge provided the perfect opportunity to turn this vision into a reality.
StreetsUp was born out of a commitment to address the pressing needs of displaced teenagers in a digital age by providing them with a platform that offers practical solutions and a sense of community. We firmly believe that technology can be a catalyst for change, and that belief became the driving force behind this project.
The app is a testament to the importance of perseverance, guidance, and community. Every aspect of StreetsUp has been intricately designed with empathy and a deep understanding of the obstacles faced by homeless teens, ensuring their safety, well-being, and access to opportunities that can transform their lives.
In a world where hardship and adversity can often lead to isolation and despair, StreetsUp aims to provide a glimmer of hope and a network of support. We are genuinely excited to see the positive impact this app can have on the lives of the teenagers it serves and our unwavering commitment lies in its growth and success. Together we can forge a future for those who need it most.”
This year’s Challenge saw an unprecedented level of participation, with 374 Members of the House of Representatives hosting competitions, surpassing the previous record of 340. A remarkable 11,334 students from across the United States competed in this year’s Challenge, marking an impressive increase of nearly 1,000 participants compared to the previous record set in 2019. The enthusiasm and creativity these students display is a testament to the growing interest in technology and signal a bright future for American innovation. The surge of ingenuity continued with a whopping 3,645 original applications flooding in, nearly a thousand more than the previous year’s high. This remarkable growth showcases the exceptional talent and innovation within our nation’s youth.
The Congressional App Challenge is an official initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives, where Members of Congress host contests in their districts for middle school and high school students, encouraging them to learn to code and inspiring them to pursue careers in computer science. This resounding show of bipartisan support emphasizes the critical importance of STEM education in today’s rapidly evolving world. Each participating Member of Congress selects a winning app from their district, and each winning team is invited to showcase their winning app to Congress during our annual #HouseOfCode festival.