Congressman Paul Tonko has announced the 2017 Congressional App Challenge for the 20th Congressional District, a competition for students in New York’s Capital Region to create and develop their own computer or mobile app. The competition runs until noon on Nov. 1 and is open to primary and secondary school students of all skill levels and backgrounds within tonko’s district.

The Congressional App Challenge is designed to encourage students to develop skills in science, technology, engineering and math. In 2013, its first year, 84 congressional districts in 31 states and Washington, D.C. awarded 212 high school students for 109 apps.

The challenge provides a number of resources that help students learn how to code. Parent and teachers who would like to receive updates on the challenge may sign up.

Interested students may compete as individuals or in teams of up to four. A complete submission will include a registration form, details about the app, and a video demonstrating the app and how it works. Students may submit their completed projects at http://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/info-and-resources/for-students/learn-to-code/.