Congressman Tim Ryan Announces 2015 High School App Challenge

Press Release

Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) is excited to announce the 2015 Congressional App Challenge (CAC), a congressional initiative to improve student engagement in coding and computer science, running through Jan. 15, 2016.

High School students in the 13th Congressional district are encouraged to create and submit their own original apps that will be judged by panels of local judges. On Feb. 22, 2016 the winner will be announced and honored by Congressman Ryan and their app will be on display in the Capitol Building alongside winners from other districts.

"With the projected growth in the STEM sector, it is essential for students to develop these skills which, with further education and development, will encourage growth and innovation in northeastern Ohio," said Congressman Ryan. "This challenge provides students with an opportunity to develop those skills."

STEM occupations are projected to grow at nearly twice the rate of non-STEM occupations between 2008 and 2018. Some estimates predict a shortage of up to three million high-skilled workers by 2018. It's crucial that these investments are made now, so our youth acquire these necessary skills. The CAC highlights and encourages students to pursue those skills.

Recognizing the lack of diversity in the tech sector, the CAC will also focus on making deliberate efforts to include students from all backgrounds, including those traditionally underrepresented in tech.

The Internet Education Foundation will be serving as the operational sponsor of the CAC. For further information about the Congressional App Challenge, please visit congressionalappchallenge.us or call Congressman Ryan's Youngstown office at (330) 740-0193 or the Akron office at (330) 630-7311.

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