https://wild.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wild-congratulates-2021-congressional-app-competition-winner

Statement

Today, Representative Susan Wild (PA-07) announced the 2021 Congressional App Challenge winner, Edison Tang of Nazareth Area High School. Officially launched by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015, the Congressional App Challenge is an annual competition that encourages 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.

"The Congressional App Challenge is the perfect opportunity to expose students to the growing importance of computer science and STEM skills. We know technology is the future of our developing world and crucial to maintaining the United States' competitiveness, which is why I'm glad Congress is shining a light on our nation's young programming talent," said Rep. Wild, a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

"Every year, I am astounded by the talent displayed by PA-07's young people, and this year was no exception. I want to extend my sincere congratulations to the Congressional App Challenge Winner, Edison Tang, and thank every student who participated in the competition. Tang's app 'MyClass' is a classroom-based messaging app where students and teachers can chat with each other, create study groups, join clubs, and work on school projects. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the challenges of learning and teaching remotely, and Tang's app works to problem-solve those obstacles by making communication easier and faster."

This competition was open to all students who met the eligibility requirements, regardless of previous coding experience. Every participant developed an app on a platform of their choice, and submitted a video demonstrating the idea, implementation, and impact of the app. Recognizing the racial, gendered and other disparities in the tech sector, the CAC also focuses on inclusivity and making the Challenge as accessible as possible to people from all backgrounds. Deliberate efforts were made to include students from all backgrounds, including those traditionally underrepresented in tech.

The Office of Congresswoman Wild gives special thanks to our expert judge, Arielle Carr, Assistant Professor in the Computer Science and Engineering Department at Lehigh University.

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