Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) today announced Burlington-Edison high school senior Alexandria Kissas won the 2016 Congressional App Challenge for Washington’s 2^nd Congressional District.

Kissas’ app, “ListMe,” is designed to help people organize multiple lists on their smart phones. “I was sitting in class thinking ‘what would help the most people.’ As a senior, I have a lot of things to do this year and a list would be really helpful,” said Kissas.

“Alexandria is a great example for young folks everywhere,” said Larsen, “Whether you want to launch the next Snapchat or create an organizational tool like the one Alexandria designed, now is a great time to pursue an education in STEM or learn how to code.”

According to the Boston Consulting Group, there are as many as 25,000 unfilled science, technology, engineering and mathematics jobs in Washington state.

Asked if she had any advice for other students who may be considering giving coding a try, Alexandria said: “coding can be challenging, but do it anyway. It can open doors. Your understanding of physics, science and the world around you is so much more enhanced by learning to code.”

Alexandria, who is currently a TA for her AP Computer Science teacher and hopes to attend Pomona College, received a prize of $400 in Amazon Web Services credits and has been invited to a reception in Washington, D.C.

The Congressional App Challenge is an annual competition that aims to help maintain American competitiveness by proactively inspiring youth to pursue crucial STEM skills.

###