National App Challenge Day 2025: Students Spark the Future
Today we celebrate the second annual National App Challenge Day, spotlighting the creativity and vision of young technologists for a better future. Last year’s inaugural celebration brought together Members of Congress, students, and partners nationwide to recognize how the App Challenge has become the leading student technology competitions in the country.
This year, the celebration comes with record-shattering momentum. The Congressional App Challenge is proud to announce that a record 385 Members of Congress are hosting competitions in their districts and more than 8,000 students are already in the process of submitting their apps.
National App Challenge Day is about more than just coding, it’s about showcasing the transformative power of STEM education and the role young innovators play in shaping the future of technology. Join the celebration by taking part in the social media campaign and following along with the Congressional Hackathon this afternoon, where student ideas will once again take the stage at the Capitol.
Celebrating a Decade of Impact: Introducing the 25 for ‘25 Alumni
Over the past decade, more than 70,000 students have participated in the Congressional App Challenge, with many using their experience as a launchpad for extraordinary achievements at a remarkably young age. To honor this legacy, we asked for nominations of alumni who have made a lasting impact. Today, we are proud to unveil the “25 for ‘25” list, recognizing outstanding alumni whose accomplishments exemplify the transformative potential of the App Challenge. Explore the full list here to see where their journeys have taken them.
Student Ideas Take the Stage at Hackathon 7.0
As part of today’s celebrations, Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries have once again invited Congressional App Challenge alumni to deliver lightning pitches at the U.S. Capitol during Congressional Hackathon 7.0. Six alumni will share bold, student-driven ideas on how Congress can better serve the American people through technology and innovation. These presentations highlight the creativity and civic-mindedness of our alumni community.
#AskCAC Series: Lawmakers Reflect on the App Challenge
In addition to student recognition, Members of Congress themselves are reflecting on the importance of the App Challenge. This year, we sat down with more than 25 Members, including our co-chairs in the 119th Congress, Chairman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) and Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08), to hear firsthand how the Challenge has impacted their districts and strengthened their work in STEM education. Watch highlights from these conversations here.
Be Part of the Celebration: Share Your Story
In addition to student recognition, Members of Congress themselves are reflecting on the importance of the App Challenge. This year, we sat down with more than 25 Members, including our co-chairs in the 119th Congress, Chairman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) and Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08), to hear firsthand how the Challenge has impacted their districts and strengthened their work in STEM education. Watch highlights from these conversations here.