ONE MONTH LEFT! CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN INVITES HUDSON VALLEY MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO ENTER 2026 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE

ONE MONTH LEFT! Congressman Pat Ryan Invites Hudson Valley Middle and High School Students to Enter 2026 Congressional App Challenge

The Congressional App Challenge encourages tech innovation among middle and high school students as they compete for a chance to have their app displayed in the U.S. Capitol 

Hudson Valley middle and high school students are encouraged to submit by October 26, 2026; more information on submission can be found on Congressman Ryan’s website 

Last year’s winner, “Hudson Connect,” was designed by New Windsor 11th grader Aarna Patel; the app is a community resource navigation tool designed to help residents quickly find local services and programs across New York’s 18th Congressional District

WASHINGTON, DC  –  Today, Congressman Pat Ryan is encouraging Hudson Valley middle and high school students to participate in the 2026 Congressional App Challenge. 

The Congressional App Challenge is an annual nationwide competition that encourages U.S. middle and high school students in each congressional district to learn coding and develop their own software applications, fostering STEM education and engagement with their local Representative.

This challenge is open to middle and high school students; students must either attend school or reside in NY-18. Submissions are due October 26, 2026; the portal can be found on Congressman Ryan’s website. 

“I look forward to this every year. The Congressional App Challenge gives young people across the Hudson Valley a chance to build and demonstrate their entrepreneurial spirit for the benefit of the community we love,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “I am consistently so impressed with what our students submit – it truly gives me hope for the next generation of innovators growing up right here in the Hudson Valley. There’s one month left to submit, and I can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with!”

“Participating in the Congressional App Challenge and attending the House of Code has been an incredible honor. I created Hudson Connect to help people find local and accessible resources and to bring the community closer together,” said Aarna Patel, New Windsor, 2025 winner. “Having the app recognized on a national stage was both exciting and deeply meaningful. Connecting with other student innovators and speaking with Congressman Ryan and his team reinforced how powerful technology can be in supporting and uplifting a community. The support from Congressman Ryan’s team throughout the process made the experience even better and truly memorable.” 

The Congressional App Challenge is a competition organized by Members of Congress across the country for middle school and high school students to create their own software applications and gain experience with computer coding.

Submissions are due by October 26, 2026; more information and submission instructions can be found on Congressman Ryan’s website. 

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