Today, Congressman Andy Levin (MI-09), member of the House Education & Labor Committee, announced the winners of the Congressional App Challenge from Michigan's Ninth District. The Congressional App Challenge is a well-known competition in computer science held by the U.S. House of Representatives and the Internet Education Foundation (IEF).
Michigan's Ninth District 2021 winners are Om Joshi and Srikar Kusumanchi, 11th grade students at International Academy and Ravenwood High School, who created an app in JavaScript called GRASP (Helping the General Public Reach Astonishing Science Proficiency). GRASP utilizes Google Cloud's Firebase to help students who are unable to access paid online resources discuss solutions to their homework with peers and teachers for free and receive detailed solutions to their problems. As a prize, Congress will showcase Om and Srikar's app in the United States Capitol.
A panel of three judges, Anthony Gentry, Ogochukwu Nwabuokei and Zak Driscoll chose the winners for this year's App Challenge. Anthony Gentry is a GTSC Shift Lead at General Motors and lives in the Ninth District. Ogochukwu Nwabuokei received his bachelor's degree in Information Technology at Michigan State University and is an IT Business Analyst at Consumers Energy. Zak Driscoll earned his bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and serves as a GPS TRACK Engineer at General Motors.
"I'm truly blown away by every submission my office received this year, illustrating the students' impressive grasp of STEM skills and their strong drive to create solutions that will change the world," said Congressman Levin. "The Congressional App Challenge is an innovative opportunity to showcase the future tech leaders we have right here in Macomb and Oakland Counties. Congratulations to Om and Srikar on being selected as this year's winners! I'm inspired by the work you're doing to connect students in need with homework and tutoring support. I'd also like to thank our 2021 App Challenge judges, Ogochukwu, Anthony and Zak. Your work helps motivate students across Macomb and Oakland to build the next generation of accessible technology."
The runner up in this year's Congressional App Challenge was Tasnim Uddin, whose Polyatomic Practice app helps individuals interested in chemistry brush up on their skills by providing an easy and fun way to memorize terms. Another top submission came from Calvin Nguyen, whose MedNoBled app allows diabetic individuals to keep track of their blood glucose levels.
Source:https://andylevin.house.gov/media/press-releases/levin-announces-winners-2021-congressional-app-challenge
