Congressional App Challenge Inspires San Diego’s Next Generation of Innovators

Published November 15, 2024

By Kimberly Mann Bruch, SDSC Communications

Students from local middle and high schools received valuable insights from experts at the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC), part of the new School of Computing, Information and Data Sciences (SCIDS) at UC San Diego, during this year's Hackathon organized by Rep. Scott Peters as part of the annual Congressional App Challenge. The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition, established in 2013, that encourages young people to explore STEM through app development.

Congressman Scott Peters has long championed STEM education and sees the annual event as a crucial platform for cultivating the talents of young innovators who will drive San Diego’s burgeoning tech economy.

“The Congressional App Challenge offers students in middle and high school a chance to showcase their coding skills and creativity,” said Congressman Peters. “I want to thank the San Diego Supercomputer Center at UC San Diego for once again hosting our annual Hackathon and helping to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers right here in California’s 50th District."

Secondary school students from the district participated by learning tips on developing their own software applications, which can be designed for mobile, tablet or computer devices on any platform. This hands-on event served as an opportunity for students to not only improve their technical skills but also explore the limitless possibilities of coding, computer design and STEM in general.

As a strong advocate for preparing students for the tech-driven future, Peters emphasized the importance of the competition in empowering students to think creatively and embrace the wide range of applications via STEM – science, technology, engineering and math.

"The most important investment we can make is in the next generation," Peters added, "because these students will go on to power San Diego’s innovation economy."

SCIDS Interim Dean Rajesh Gupta noted that reducing barriers to technology education for K-12 students is an important objective of the new school. “For students transferring from K-12 to community colleges, CSUs and the UC system, SCIDS prioritizes developing and operating a shared AI education and research infrastructure that is accessible to all of California’s public education institutions,” Gupta said. “We applaud Congressman Peters’ proactive participation in preparing young students for the future.”

Winners of the challenge will join others from across the country in receiving recognition in Washington, D.C., where their apps will be featured as part of a Capitol Hill exhibit highlighting the achievements of young coders nationwide.

“As students eagerly prepare their submissions, the annual challenge continues to solidify its role in fostering innovation, teamwork and creativity in the next wave of tech leaders,” explained SDSC Director Frank Würthwein. “We are pleased to partner with Congressman Peters in supporting this educational endeavor as well as future work.”