Rep. Chu Announces Winners of 2024 Congressional App Challenge

December 5, 2024
Press Release

PASADENA, CA — This week, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) announced the winners of her 2024 Congressional App Challenge for middle and high school students in the West San Gabriel Valley. This annual computer science competition, hosted by the U.S. House of Representatives, encourages students to learn how to code and inspires them to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields. 

A record 67 apps were submitted to this year’s competition.  The winner, Kelly Zhang of Polytechnic School, submitted the app “Vision of Grove” designed to assist local government and NGOs in the Sundarbans – the world’s largest mangrove forest in South Asia.  This geospatial app uses satellite imagery to analyze mangrove loss and assess community vulnerability, offering actionable insights to prioritize disaster relief, reforestation projects, and defense measures. Her app can also help individuals assess whether they are in a high-risk area to best protect themselves in the case of an impending cyclone.  

“I was thrilled to host my 6th Annual Congressional App Challenge Competition and highlight the importance of STEM education in our country,” said Rep. Chu. “STEM courses are so valuable for our youth and their futures, and the powerful skills gained from coding and programming will help our nation remain at the forefront of global technological progress and advancements.  Our record number of submissions came from talented young coders who worked collaboratively to fix a host of problems facing the world. I’m proud of all our winners and everyone who participated in the competition.  Congratulations to each one of them!”

The winners were chosen by a panel of expert judges from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and Motiv Space Systems who made their decisions based on the app’s purpose, concept, technicality, creativity, and design.  The winning app, Vision of Grove, will be displayed on the Congressional App Challenge Website and on a digital display in the Capitol Building.  

List of Winners:

Office Locations

Washington DC Office
2423 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC  20515
Phone: (202) 225-5464
Fax: (202) 225-5467
Claremont District Office
415 W. Foothill Blvd, Ste 122
Claremont, CA  91711
Phone: (909) 625-5394
Fax: (909) 399-0198
Pasadena District Office
527 S. Lake Ave
Suite 250
Pasadena, CA  91101
Phone: (626) 304-0110
Fax: (626) 304-0132