WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5) announced the launch of the first annual Congressional Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) academic competition, known as the House App Challenge, for the Fifth Congressional District.

Established by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013, this nationwide competition invites high school students from all participating congressional districts to compete by creating and exhibiting their software application, or “app,” for mobile, tablet or computer devices.

It is designed to promote innovation and engagement in the STEM education fields.

“This is an excellent opportunity for students in our communities to further their interest and involvement in science, technology, engineering and math,” said Thompson. “Estimates show 8.5 million STEM jobs will be created in the next decade, but they also show the United States will face a shortage of one million STEM graduates. That’s why the House App Contest is so important. STEM is where the jobs of the future will be and we need to do everything possible to encourage our students to pursue an education in STEM fields.”

The House App Contest is open to all high school students who live in or are eligible to attend public schools located in the Fifth Congressional District.

In order to participate in the competition, students must provide a YouTube or VIMEO video demo explaining their app and what they learned through the competition during the submission period which runs from Feb. 1 to April 30.

More details on submitting a contest entry, the rules of the competition, and helpful programming resources can be found at www.StudentAppChallenge.house.gov .

Thompson represents California’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.