Congress challenges students to create apps

U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici is taking entries in the third-annual Congressional App Challenge.

The challenge has students use coding and computer science to create and exhibit a software application for mobile, tablet or other computers on a platform of their choice.

"Participating in the Congressional App Challenge will require creative thinking and technology skills so students will be engaging both halves of the brain," Bonamici said in a release.

All students high school age and younger who live or attend school in Bonamici's congressional district are eligible to compete. The Democrat's district includes Washington, Yamhill, Clatsop and Columbia counties, and part of Multnomah County.

The app's source code must be submitted online before Nov. 1, along with a YouTube or Vimeo video demo explaining the app and what was learned through the competition. A panel of local experts reviews submissions.

Winners from each participating congressional district will be acknowledged in a ceremony, featured on the House.gov website and displayed in the U.S. Capitol.

For more information, visit http://tinyurl.com/ybdwort7