U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) has announced that the 2016 Congressional App Challenge for students in California's 39th Congressional District will open for submissions on July 18, 2016.

The competition is designed to engage students’ creativity and encourage their participation in STEM education fields. It allows students to compete by creating and exhibiting their software application, or “app,” for mobile, tablet or computer devices on a platform of their choice.

"As Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I know that a workforce proficient in STEM skills is important if the United States is to remain globally competitive. If we want California to remain the innovation capital of the world, we need to encourage and support young people interested in science, technology, engineering, and math. The Congressional App Challenge is fun for all involved, and I encourage all of our community's students to participate," said Rep. Royce.

The past Congressional App Challenge received submissions from students in over 120 congressional districts. For the 2015 competition, Rep. Royce announced Andrew Rojas, Santiago Torres, and Eric Liu of Los Altos High School as the winners. The team created Drop Saver, a mobile application created to help smartphone users manage their water usage.

The 2016 Congressional App Challenge submission period will run from July 18 through November 2, culminating in an exhibition and judging event during December. The competition winners will be selected by a panel of local judges and recognized by Rep. Royce and community leaders.

Students, teachers, and administrators interested in entering the competition can do so by clicking here, or contacting Stephanie Hu from Rep. Royce's office at (626) 964-5123 or Stephanie.Hu@mail.house.gov. Additional information can be found here.