Rep. DelBene's 2025 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 Congressional App Challenge and the WA01 Congressional App-A-Thon! 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!

Congressional App Challenge

The Congressional App Challenge is a competition that encourages U.S. middle and high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications. The Challenge aims to highlight the value of computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education and encourage students to engage in these fields.

The Congressional App Challenge lasts from May 1, 2025, through October 30, 2025, and is open to all U.S. middle and high school students in participating districts. Challenge participants are invited, either as individuals or in teams, to create and submit their software application (“app”) for mobile, tablet, or other computing devices on a platform of their choice. A panel of local computer science professionals will judge the apps, and the winners in each district will have the honor of being recognized by their member of Congress and are invited to attend the #HouseOfCode Reception in Washington D.C. in Spring 2026. Their apps are eligible to be featured on display in the U.S. Capitol building, on house.gov and on the Congressional App Challenge website.

For a complete description of contest rules, click HERE. Students can register for the challenge HERE.

WA-01 Congressional App-A-Thon

The WA-01 Congressional App-A-Thon is a one-day event that we host in conjunction with the Congressional App Competition. It is an opportunity for middle and high school students to work on applications that they may then submit to the Congressional App Challenge. Students can come with apps in beginning stages, or those that just need a final touch! At the App-A-Thon, students have the opportunity to learn from industry experts about coding, technology, and what is needed to build an app from start to finish. We will have mentors from the local technology community to assist in answering questions and solving problems. At the end of the day of the App-A-Thon, teams present their application to a judging panel to be considered for prizes.

After the App-A-Thon, teams are encouraged to submit their apps to the Congressional App Challenge. The winner of the App-A-Thon will not necessarily be the winner of the Congressional App Challenge, and vice versa. The App-A-Thon is an event to encourage participation into the Challenge.

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 12:

9:30 – 10:00 AM Sign In

10:00 AM Program/Rules Review/Rep. DelBene Remarks

11:00 AM Work Period Begins

12:00 PM Lunch Available

2:00 PM Work Period Ends

2:00 – 2:45 PM Student Pitches

2:45 PM Judges Deliberate

3:00 PM Winner Announced / Closing Remarks

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