CAC Receives The Society for Science & the Public’s STEM Action Grant

WASHINGTON, DC – The Society for Science & the Public announced today that the Congressional App Challenge was selected as the recipient of their STEM Action Grant!

The Society for Science & the Public (SSP) is  dedicated to promoting STEM education and expanding scientific knowledge and research. Each spring and fall, The Society awards the STEM Action Grant to organizations that are working to advocate for STEM, promote STEM learning, and encourage participation in STEM fields among underrepresented populations.

The Congressional App Challenge (CAC) is an initiative that encourages student engagement in coding and computer science through local app challenges hosted by Members of Congress.

“We are honored to be recognized by the SSP for our commitment to reaching a broad number of American youth, including underrepresented groups,” said CAC Director Rachel Decoste. “This grant will further the Congressional App Challenge’s reach in rural districts and other demographics which are underrepresented in the tech field”

The CAC aims to bridge the gender, geographic, and racial gaps in the technology sector. Deliberate efforts are made to include students from all backgrounds, including those traditionally underrepresented in the tech community. In its first three years, the program has yielded over 605 app challenges across 42 states. Over 2,400 apps have been created by nearly 9,000 students. Participant demographics surpass all industry diversity metrics.

This year, the CAC will strive to build upon these numbers.

Middle and high school students across America are encouraged to register online through September 10 and must turn in their final apps by October 15. Winners will be announced starting in November.

The Congressional App Challenge is honored to receive The Society for Science & the Public’s STEM Action Grant. We look forward to inspiring the next generation of coders in this year’s Congressional App Challenge.