Today, Rep. Rick Larsen announced the launch of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge (CAC). The annual competition, which runs through Thursday, October 30, 2025, is open to high school and middle school students who live in or attend school in Washington state’s 2nd congressional district.
Students can compete in the CAC by creating an application for desktop/PC, web, tablet, mobile, or other devices such as robotics and wearable technology. The CAC accepts any programming language, including C, C++, Java, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, or "block code."
“The Congressional App Competition is an opportunity for students to show off their skills,” said Rep. Larsen, whose office has participated in the CAC every year since its founding. “Northwest Washington is a leader in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education for young people, and I look forward to seeing the region’s STEM creativity and talent showcased in this year’s submissions.”
Last year’s winner, Sydney Vo from Mariner High School in Everett, designed a website and app called AccessLink to help individuals experiencing homelessness connect with resources like shelters, food banks, and more.
Students can sign up to participate and read the full competition rules at https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/students/student-registration/. Students have until 9:00 a.m. PST on Thursday, October 30, 2025, to register and enter, but CAC organizers recommend students register early to receive extra support and tips.
Rep. Larsen will announce a district winner in December and invite the winner to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Science Fair in Washington, D.C. Winning apps will be electronically displayed in the U.S. Capitol and on the CAC’s house.gov website.
Students and STEM educators who want to learn more about the competition should reach out to Jessica Zuleta at Jessica.Zuleta@mail.house.gov or at (425) 252-3188.
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