Newhouse Names Winners of 2021 Congressional App Challenge

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) announced the winners of the 2021 Central Washington Congressional App Challenge, an app competition for middle and high school students. Three 8th graders from the West Valley Innovation Center – Andrew Modine, Torin Rauch, and Tyler Iverson – have been named the competition winners. Their winning app, Beating Heart Health, aims to promote teen health and wellness by offering tools to practice and improve mindfulness and healthy sleep habits. Click here to see a preview of the winning app.

“Congratulations to Andrew, Torin, and Tyler on their winning app, Beating Heart Health!” said Rep. Newhouse. “Ensuring American students are equipped with the necessary tools to succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy is of paramount importance. Each year, I am impressed by the enthusiasm for STEM exhibited by Central Washington students who make submissions to the App Challenge, and I am confident that our region will continue to cultivate young professionals who will be leaders in the field.”

The winning app was selected by a panel of expert judges from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The winners will receive a computer science mentorship session with scientists from the laboratory. The winning app will be featured on a video display in the U.S. Capitol building, as well as House.gov and the Congressional App Challenge website. 

Background:

The CAC was created because Congress recognized that STEM and computer-based skills are essential for economic growth and innovation and that the U.S. has been falling behind on these fronts. By some estimates, the U.S. may be short by as many as 1 million programmers by 2021. These are high-paying, high-demand jobs. To maintain American competitiveness, it’s crucial that the United States invests in our youth now and helps them acquire these valuable skills. The CAC encourages students to pursue those skills and recognizes them for their efforts.

###