Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-1) has invited Arkansas’ First District high school students to participate in the “2014 Congressional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Competition: House App Contest” starting February 1 and ending April 30.

The contest, open to all high school students who can enroll at a First District school or who reside within the District, involves designing an application (app) on a platform of choice by creating a fully-functioning app or designing a detailed mock-up of an app concept. Students entering the competition must submit their app’s source code online at the Challenge Post website, challengepost.com. In addition, each entry must include a link to an Application Demonstration Video, which explains and outlines the app. Students may post these videos to YouTube or VIMEO, and videos should demonstrate the apps’ scope and quality in less than two minutes.

Competition judges will score apps based on idea, implementation and impact.

Congressman Crawford said app creation has moved from a pioneering phase into a necessary skill.

“Every new business, whether it provides a product or a service, needs a visible, online presence,” Congressman Crawford said. “I’m pleased Arkansas’ First District prepares its students to meet this challenge.”

The Congressman said he’s excited to see potential app creations.

“Whether we use computers, smartphones, or tablets, my family relies daily upon apps,” Congressman Crawford said. “I’m ready to see how our district’s best and brightest students innovate these services or create entirely new ones.”

Students may participate in teams of as many as four students, but two of the students must live within Arkansas’ First District or be eligible to attend a high school within the District.

Winning students or teams will receive recognition at a district awards ceremony held May 16, and the U.S. House’s website, House.gov, will feature the overall winner. In addition, a display at the U.S. Capitol will honor each district winner.

For contest eligibility, students 13 years or older must submit apps by creating an account at www.challengepost.com and then registering for the House Student App Contest at studentappchallenge.house.gov under their participating member of Congress’ profile during the contest submission period. Eligible apps must be submitted between 11 a.m. CST February 1 and 10:59 p.m. CDT April 30.

For more information, participants may contact Congressman Crawford’s office at (870) 203-0540.

The Congressional STEM Competition was authorized by House Resolution 77 to encourage student participation in STEM fields. Initially, the competition will be in the field of computer science. Participating students Arkansas’ First District will develop an app on a platform of their choice. Congressman Crawford will appoint judges to evaluate the apps and select winners.