WASHINGTON, DC (WAVY) – The Congressional App Challenge held annually is a nationwide contest for eligible middle and high school students. Students can compete individually or in a team of up to four.
Participants compete with peers in their own district by creating and exhibiting their software application (app), for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice.
The majority of Congressional Districts participated in the 2024 challenge, which resulted in record success. According to organizers, there was:
✓Record Congressional Participation
✓Record Student Participation
✓Record Apps Submitted
✓Record States Receiving Apps
✓Record Apps per District
Members of Congress will be announcing winners directly, through the end of the year.
On Dec. 17, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) announced the winners for Virginia’s Second District, and both came from the same school, Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach.
Students Aarav Chokshi and Andy Yang received FIRST PLACE for their app, VisuAI. Their app utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance and assist visually impaired individuals by providing real-time descriptions of their surroundings.
The SECOND PLACE winner also attends Princess Anne High. Saahas Parasa developed the app, ChessWise. Parasa’s app utilizes AI to train users to play chess. Rather than learning in traditional methods, this application allows people to get real-time feedback to improve their skills.
“These local students worked for months to solve real world issues through their applications. This year, my office received 9 apps from 19 students, including several that utilized AI. Over the past several years, we have seen our world be transformed with the introduction of AI. It is so awesome to see so many of our entries using and working with the technology of the future! I know our nation’s continued technological innovation is in good hands with this generation,” said Congresswoman Kiggans, in a news release.
The Congressional App Challenge was established by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014.
