Today Congresswoman Lois Frankel announced that she has invited all high school students in Florida’s 22^nd Congressional District to participate in the inaugural Congressional Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Academic Competition, “The House STEM App Challenge.” This competition will allow students in South Florida and across the country to compete by creating a software application or “app” for mobile, tablet or computer devices on a platform of their choice.

Students can submit their apps for consideration between Saturday February 1 at 12 p.m. and Wednesday April 30, 2014 at 12 p.m.  For additional details on how to apply please see below.

The submitted apps will be judged by an appointed panel of individuals within the academic, software and entrepreneurial fields.  The winning student’s app in each participating congressional district will be featured on the U.S. House of Representatives’ website (www.House.gov), as well as on display in a U.S. Capitol exhibit. 

“STEM education is a ticket to success. I am excited to see the creativity of our local students,” Frankel said.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

• The contest is open to high school students who reside in the FL-22 Congressional District.
• Participants may compete individually or in groups of up to 4 students.
• For groups of 2 students at least 1 must reside in the FL-22 Congressional District.
• For groups of 3-4 students at least 2 must reside in the FL-22 Congressional District.
• Students can verify that they live in the district by going to https://www.pbcelections.org/precinctfinder.aspx or https://www.browardsoe.org/precinctfinder.aspx and selecting My Districts
• Students may submit their entries between the dates of February 1, 2014 at 12PM EST to April 30, 2014 12PM EST
• To submit an entry:

o   After February 1, 2014 create an account on http://studentappchallenge.house.gov/ and register for the House Student App Contest

o   Create an App Demonstration Video of no more than 2 minutes that demonstrates the scope and quality of the app.

o   Create a Developer Video of no more than 1 minute in which the participant describes how they created the app and what they learned and upload it to YouTube or VIMEO and submit the links.

o   Submit an entry form through http://housestudentapps.challengepost.com/

o   Submit source code by email to Stephanie.zachary@mail.house.gov 

• Entries will be judged on:

o   Quality of the idea (including creativity and originality)

o   Implementation of the idea (including user experience and design)

o   Demonstrated excellence of coding and programming skills.

• The winning app will be featured on the US House of Representatives website www.house.gov and Congresswoman Lois Frankel’s website / and will also be on display in a US Capitol exhibit.
• For more information please contact Stephanie in Congresswoman Frankel’s office at 866-264-0957 (toll free) or 561-998-9045.

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