Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) announced that submissions for the 2026 Congressional App Challenge (CAC) are open.

“I look forward to seeing the creativity and ingenuity of students in the First District,” said. Rep Wittman. “Every year, I am amazed by each submission. The talent in our district is unmatched, and I encourage every qualifying student to submit a project in this year’s Congressional App Challenge.”

The Congressional App Challenge is designed to encourage students’ participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education fields. This nationwide event allows middle and high school students from across the country to compete against their peers by creating and exhibiting their software application, or "app," for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice.

The winning students’ apps will be eligible to be displayed in the US Capitol Building and featured on the House of Representatives’ website, House.gov. Furthermore, winning students will be invited to attend the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C. Additional prizes will also be announced in the future.

Qualification Details:

• Participants must be middle or high school students at the time of app submission.

• Students may compete if they reside in or attend school in the First District.

• Students may compete as individuals or in teams of up to four (4) students. At least half of the teammates on any team must live or attend school in the First District.

• All competing students must be U.S. residents at the time of submission. There is no citizen requirement for students.

• All entries must be original in concept, design, and execution. More information about the CAC's rules can be found here.

The 2026 competition deadline is October 26th. Applicants can register for the competition and submit their apps on the Congressional App Challenge website. Winners will be announced in December.

If you have any questions, you can contact Congressman Wittman’s office by calling (202) 225-4261 or emailing reese.jaso@mail.house.gov. The student support email for the CAC is studentsupport@congressionalappchallenge.us.