House to launch nationwide contest encouraging students to develop mobile 'apps'

The House next week is expected to pass a resolution establishing a nationwide technology contest for students, which would initially encourage contestants to develop new "apps" for smartphones and tablets.

The resolution from Rep. Candice Miller (R-Mich.) is scheduled for consideration next week. It would create a contest run by the House of Representatives in which students from every congressional district would compete in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, the so-called STEM fields.

"Because of the importance of computer science it would be appropriate to initially challenge students to develop so-called 'apps' for mobile, tablet, and computer platforms," it reads.

The resolution finds that the STEM fields are "necessary to ensure a qualified national workforce and growing American economy." But it also finds that interest in these fields is waning — it says less than one-third of eighth graders in the country showed proficiency in math and science, and that only nine states let computer science courses count toward high school graduation requirements.

"A recent study found that only one-third of the bachelor's degrees earned in the United States are in a STEM field," it adds.

It says starting a contest run by the House would help encourage interest in these fields.

"Bringing together Members of Congress and their younger constituents to participate in activities that will result in a deeper appreciation for STEM fields will foster enthusiasm for education in the sciences," it says. "The support which students will gain through Congressional recognition of their work on STEM-related projects will encourage them to pursue career paths in STEM studies and research."

The resolution does not set out the precise terms of the competition, or whether winners from each state would receive a cash prize. But it does say that the Committee on House Administration will set out regulations for the contest.

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