Congressman DeSaulnier Announces 2026 Congressional App Challenge

Walnut Creek, CA - Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced he will host the 2026 Congressional App Challenge (CAC), a competition for middle and high school students to hone their coding skills by designing original software applications.

Middle and high school students living or attending school in California's 10^th Congressional District are invited to submit an original application written in any programming language, for any platform (desktop/PC, web, tablet, mobile, raspberry Pi, etc.). Submissions are open now through 9:00 a.m. PT on Monday, October 26, 2026.

"The Congressional App Challenge allows students to explore computer science through hands-on practice, ignites students' interest in a potential career in STEM, and encourages young people to build valuable skills," said Congressman DeSaulnier. "I'm excited for the opportunity to recognize the importance of STEM education and look forward to seeing the innovative apps CA-10's students will create this year.

The winning app from CA-10 will be selected by a panel of local expert judges, recognized by Congressman DeSaulnier, and featured on the House of Representatives website and on display in the U.S. Capitol. The winner will also be invited to the 2026 #HouseofCode celebration in Washington, D.C. with other student coders from across the country.

For more information or help submitting an app, please call (925) 933-2660. To learn more about the CAC, register, and submit your app please visit https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/students/student-registration/.

The CAC was launched in 2015 to encourage participation in computer science and STEM education. The CAC has inspired over 80,000 students from all 50 states to channel their creativity and coding skills to build an original app.