U.S. Representative Mike Kelly announced on May 7 the launch of the 2026 Congressional App Challenge for middle and high school students in Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District. The competition invites students to create original software applications as a way to engage with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
The challenge aims to give young people an opportunity to demonstrate their creativity and technical abilities through app development. “The Congressional App Challenge offers local students a chance to showcase their creativity and technical skills,” said Rep. Mike Kelly. “I am continually impressed by the talent and ingenuity of our students, and I look forward to seeing the innovative apps they develop this year.”
Students eligible for participation must either reside in or attend school within Pennsylvania’s 16th District, with submissions due by October 26, 2026. The previous year’s winner was Giovanni Di Domenico from Cranberry Township in Butler County.
To enter, participants are required to register at www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us, develop an original application on any platform such as mobile or web, and submit both a demonstration video and supporting documentation before the deadline. The winning entry will be displayed on the Congressional App Challenge website as well as in the U.S. Capitol Building; winners will also receive invitations to attend #HouseOfCode events in Washington, D.C., where they can present their work.
For further information about eligibility or submission requirements, interested parties may contact Julie Swartfager at Julie.Swartfager@mail.house.gov or visit Kelly.House.Gov/Services/Congressional-App-Challenge.
Mike Kelly is currently serving in Congress representing Pennsylvania’s 16th district; he has held this position since replacing Kathy Dahlkemper in 2011 according to the United States Congress. He was born in Pittsburgh in 1948 and graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts degree according to the United States Congress.
