The Congressional App Challenge is an opportunity for students to learn coding and computer science skills and schools to expand access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced the launch of the 2026 Congressional App Challenge (CAC). The annual competition accepts entries through Monday, October 26, 2026, is open to high school and middle school students who live in or attend school in Washington state’s 2nd congressional district.
The Congressional App Challenge is an opportunity for students to learn coding and computer science skills and schools to expand access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. 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 Challenge is an opportunity for students to sharpen and show off their coding skills,” said Rep. Larsen, whose office has participated in the CAC every year since its inaugural competition in 2015. “Northwest Washington is a leader in STEM education for young people, and I look forward to seeing the region’s coding talent showcased in this year’s entries.”
Last year’s winners, Dylan Pham and Henry Pham from Explorer Middle School in Everett, designed an app called “Epidemic Wars: The 2100 Era” which seeks to educate people about vaccines and the immune system to combat vaccine misinformation.
Students can sign up to participate and read the full competition rules at the Congressional App Challenge website. Students have until 9:00 a.m. PST on Monday, October 26, 2026, to register and submit their entries, 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. in April of 2027. 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. Competing students who would like to publish their Congressional App Challenge entry and receive a certification and free sticker should visit Hack Club’s website.
