Dear Friend,

I am writing to invite all high school students from the 4th Congressional District of Maryland to participate in the first annual Congressional Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Academic Competition, “The House STEM App Challenge.”  This new competition is designed to engage the creativity of students and encourage their participation in STEM education fields.  Established by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013, this competition is a nationwide event that allows students from across the country to compete by creating and exhibiting their software application, or “app,” for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice.

Throughout the competition period, participating students will be provided opportunities to engage with various STEM educational partners located throughout the community to mentor and assist them with their app development.  Students entering the competition must submit their app’s source code online by the April 30, 2014 midnight EST deadline, as well as provide a YouTube video demo explaining their app and what they learned through this competition process.

The submitted apps will be judged by an appointed panel of individuals within the academic, software, and entrepreneurial fields.  The winning app will be featured on the U.S. House of Representatives’
website (www.House.gov), as well as on display in a U.S. Capitol exhibit.  Additional details on The House STEM App Challenge will be announced in the coming weeks and provided on my website at www.donnaedwards.house.gov.

I hope that your high school students will participate in this exciting event.  Should you have any questions or concerns, you may contact Selena Mendy Singleton at selena.singleton@mail.house.gov or 301-516-7601.

Sincerely,

Donna F. Edwards

Member of Congress