Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) announced the launch of the 2026 Congressional App Challenge for all middle and high school students in Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District. This annual competition challenges students to create an original software application written in any programming language and encourages exploration of STEM fields.
Last year, winner Akash Arun Kumar Soumya designed ElderLink AR, an application that utilizes AI to provide targeted physical and emotional wellness guidance for seniors.
“The 2026 Congressional App Challenge serves as an opportunity for all middle and high school students in the district to showcase their coding skills to solve real-world problems,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “I can’t wait to see the creative and innovative solutions that our students design. In an age of rapid technological innovation, the Congressional App Challenge will help prepare students in the Fourth District to become leaders in STEM fields.”
Students may compete as individuals or in teams of up to four. Submissions will be chosen by a panel of expert judges, and the winning app for Virginia’s Fourth District will be featured on the Congressional App Challenge’s website (2025 Nationwide Winners), Congresswoman McClellan’s website and social media platforms, and may be displayed in the U.S. Capitol building. The winning students will be invited to Washington, D.C. to meet Congresswoman McClellan and attend the annual #HouseOfCode science fair.
Submission deadline: October 26, 2026 at 12 PM ET. Registration link can be found here. Full rules, eligibility requirements, and submission guidelines are here.
For more information, visit Congresswoman McClellan’s website.