Make A Killer App, Go To DC: Congressional App Challenge For D10 Students Launches

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Middle and high school students across California's 10th Congressional District have until Oct. 26 to build and submit an original app that could earn national recognition, a display inside the U.S. Capitol, and an invitation to Washington, D.C.

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier has opened the 2026 Congressional App Challenge, an annual competition designed to encourage students to explore computer science, coding, and STEM education.

The challenge invites eligible students to design and submit an original application for a mobile device, tablet, or computer. Students may compete individually or in teams of up to four.

The competition is open to all middle and high school students who live in or attend school within California's 10th Congressional District.

A panel of judges will select the winning app. The winning submission will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building, featured on the U.S. House of Representatives website, and earn an invitation to the House of Code reception in Washington, D.C.

To enter, students must submit a registration form, the completed application, a demonstration video, and an exit questionnaire.

The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide program in which members of the U.S. House of Representatives host district-level competitions to promote coding, computer science, and STEM education while encouraging students to pursue technology careers.

Students must submit their entries by 9 a.m. (Pacific Standard Time) on Oct. 26. Additional information and application materials are available through Congressman DeSaulnier's Congressional App Challenge webpage.