Schiff launches student challenge to create math- and science-based apps
The creator of the next Instagram, Snapchat or Spotify could be from Burbank or Glendale as Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) launches a first-ever congressional challenge for students to create software applications that demonstrate students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and math.
Across the country, high school students are being challenged by their congressional representatives to create apps for computers, tablets and mobile devices through April.
“For years, many of us have been pushing to have a congressional-approved science competition,” Schiff said.
His hope is that it would ignite students’ interest in the science-and-technology field.
Each year, a similar congressional challenge attracts student artists to submit their artwork in a nationwide challenge. Following their submissions, students’ art from across the country is displayed at the U.S. Capitol where Schiff said he admires the pieces from all over the United States.
“I can only imagine the kind of apps that will come out of this,” he said.
As part of the competition, the students will likely create video demonstrations of the apps and post them online in order to share them once they’re completed, Schiff said.
The challenge runs through April 30.
“I wouldn’t be a bit surprised [if the apps] take on a commercial life of their own down the line, and we get some future entrepreneurs from this,” he said.
For more information, visit studentappchallenge.house.gov.
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Follow Kelly Corrigan on Twitter: @kellymcorrigan.
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