Rep. DelBene's 2024 Congressional App Challenge App-A-Thon

Do you like to design and make things? Are you inspired by the power of technology to create and build the world around you?

If so, the Office of Congresswoman Suzan DelBene has two opportunities for you: the App-A-Thon and the CAC! We’re looking for creative thinkers like you to join us at this special App-A-Thon to get you started on your Congressional App Challenge project. Middle and high school students of all skill levels are welcome!

Join us for our 2024 App-A-Thon, where students can utilize experts in the field to help code their app, no matter what stage they are at -- mentors can help with finishing touches, final questions, or those starting with just an idea for an app! After the App-A-Thon, we encourage students to submit their final projects to the Congressional App Challenge (CAC).

The Congressional App Challenge (CAC) is a competition aimed at encouraging U.S. middle and high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications. The Challenge is intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education and encourage students to engage in these fields. By encouraging and recognizing our nation’s young programming talent, Congress hopes to shine a light on the growing importance of these skills.

Note: This is a special event geared towards middle and high school students in Washington's First Congressional District. Find out if your district is participating!

What to Bring:

Your laptop, a positive attitude, student release form, and any teammates!

What We Supply:

There will be quick presentations to launch the kick off and help start your coding. Technical mentors will be available to assist you in building your app faster, smarter and with new tools.

Snacks and refreshments will be provided at lunchtime.

Before the Event:

Once you register through Eventbrite, you will be sent an email with additional day-of information including exact location details and a student release form that must be signed by a parent or guardian.

Prep for Success

Get a head start by checking out these awesome technologies. Knowing how the technologies work will allow you to hit the ground running at the App-a-thon.

Download the Android Development Kit

Download the Apple iOS Developer Program

MIT App Inventor helps anyone, regardless of experience, build fully functional apps!

Code.org provides courses to help you learn programming. It also has App Lab, which teaches you how to design, build, and share apps.

Khan Academy provides online courses in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

Event Schedule:

Saturday, October 5:

• 9 :45 AM PT - Doors Open/ Check in
• 1 0:00 AM PT - Welcome & Introduction to App-A-Thon
• 1 0:20 AM PT - Guest Speaker Presentation
• 1 1:00 AM PT - Mentoring & Practice Your Presentation
• 1 2:00 PM PT - Snacks and Refreshments Served
• 2 :00 PM PT - Presentations to judges begin (Pitches start promptly at 2:00PM and are limited to three minutes per team)
• 3 :00 PM PT - Winners announced and event ends

Prizes:

Prizes to be announced.

Judging Criteria:

Apps will be judged based on the criteria below:

• Quality of the idea (including creativity and originality)
• Implementation of the idea
• Demonstrated excellence of coding and programming skills

Questions?

Contact Rep. DelBene's District Office at (425) 485-0085.

Host or Publisher Office of Congresswoman Suzan DelBene