Polk Times

LAKELAND, FL— Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18) has announced the winners of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge during a recognition ceremony held as part of "Computer Science Recognition Week." The winners, Cameron Johnson, Valerie Pompee, and Joshua Brandt from McKeel Academy of Technology in Lakeland, Florida, have been recognized for their innovative app, UniGuide.

The app, developed by the talented students, aims to simplify the college decision process by ranking Florida's State University System 12 institutions across six key areas. This valuable resource is designed to benefit anyone who is in the difficult position of looking for the right college.

"We are so proud of our students for using their time and talents to create a valuable resource that can benefit anyone who’s in the difficult position of looking for the right college," expressed Mrs. Rebecca Stacey, Technology Educator at McKeel Academy of Technology. "Not only did they accomplish their goal in a technical sense, but they truly worked as a team to make it happen."

Rep. Franklin emphasized the importance of events like the Congressional App Challenge in inspiring the next generation to develop the skills necessary to meet the high-tech security needs of the country. He stated, "At a time when cyberthreats from foreign adversaries like China continue to escalate, we must strengthen our workforce of cybersecurity professionals. I congratulate McKeel Academy of Technology and these talented students for their innovative app and trust they will make meaningful contributions to our state and future cybersecurity."

The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition where high school students compete against their peers in each congressional district to create a winning software application or app on a platform of their choice. The competition, which runs through the summer and concludes in November, aims to foster creativity and innovation among young minds.

The panel of judges for the challenge included industry professionals and experts in the field of technology. David Robinson, Managing Partner at Thrive Networks; Dr. Candi Ring, Educational Pathways Specialist at Cyber Florida; Dr. Christian A Roberson, Computer Sciences Professor at Florida Southern College; Shandi Perkins, CEO of Cadence Coalition; and Daniel Holland, CEO of Arete Solutions, all contributed their expertise to select the winners.

The winners of the Congressional App Challenge are invited to a reception in Washington, DC, where their app will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol building and posted online for one year. Additionally, they will receive an ARTS Act Copyright Waiver, which waives their registration fees if they choose to copyright their creation.

The recognition of the winners of the Congressional App Challenge highlights the importance of fostering technological skills among young students and encouraging them to become the future leaders in the field of cybersecurity. With cyberthreats on the rise, events like this challenge play a crucial role in inspiring and motivating the next generation to contribute to the high-tech security needs of the nation.

To learn more, click on this link: https://franklin.house.gov/2023/12/franklin-announces-congressional-app-challenge-winners/c946364c-5079-4eb1-95a5-57175a59698d