Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) announced her participation in the annual Congressional App Challenge (CAC). Through the CAC, students in Alabama’s 7^th District will code original mobile, web, or desktop apps for the chance to be selected for recognition, win prizes, and have their work put on display in the Capitol Building in Washington, DC.

“This year’s Congressional App Challenge dares students in my district to think big, test their coding skills, and to build something of their own. By developing strong science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills, our students will put themselves in a position to compete for the jobs of tomorrow. I encourage all students to explore STEM education and enter the challenge. As the product of our state’s public schools, I know firsthand how important it is for us to give our youngest generation opportunities to learn about emerging technologies. I cannot wait to see what our students come up with and to recognize our district’s talented young people.”

To sign up for the CAC, or to learn more, visit http://www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us

The CAC is open to all students in the 7^th Congressional District of Alabama, and registration is open now. Submissions will be judged on the following criteria: quality of the idea, including creativity and originality; implementation of the idea, including user experience and design; and demonstrated excellence of coding and programming skills.

For more information on how students in your area can participate in the CAC for Alabama’s 7^th District, please contact Kaia Greene at (205) 254-1960 or by email at Kaia.Greene@mail.house.gov.

Submissions for the CAC are due by November 1 noon EST, and a final winner for the competition will be chosen by a panel of expert judges and announced on November 21. The winner from the 7^th District will be featured on CongressionalAppChallenge.us, and the winning app will also be on display in the U.S. Capitol, honoring winners from across the country.

The idea for the Congressional App Challenge was first publicly introduced in 2013, when the House passed H. Res. 77 – Academic Competition Resolution of 2013 with overwhelming support. This year, over 165 Members of Congress signed up their districts to participate in the CAC.

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Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) is serving her fourth term representing Alabama’s 7th Congressional district. She sits on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and was recently appointed to the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Sewell is a Chief Deputy Whip and serves on the prestigious Steering and Policy Committee of the Democratic Caucus. She is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and serves as Vice Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, and Vice Chair of Outreach for the New Democrat Coalition.