ROCHESTER, MN – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) today invited middle and high school students from Minnesota’s First Congressional District to participate in the 2025 Congressional App Challenge.

Launched in 2015, the competition is a nationwide event intended to engage students’ creativity and encourage their participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

The Congressional App Challenge invites students to create and exhibit their software application (also known as an “app”) for web, PC, tablet, mobile, or other platform of their choice. Students may compete as individuals or in teams of up to four, as long as two of the teammates attend schools within the First District.

“Whether it’s to track our fitness, daily task reminders, or educational games, our digital devices are full of apps that help us in day-to-day life. The Congressional App Challenge is an excellent opportunity for students interested in STEM to combine creativity with critical thinking. I am excited to see the apps submitted by students from Minnesota’s First District this year,” said Rep. Finstad.

Last year’s winning app was “Design Your Brain” by Grace Kaspar and Sia Sood, students at John Adams Middle School in Rochester. Their app uses engaging and interactive tools to improve attention, memory, and cognitive skills. 

The deadline to submit an app is October 30, 2025 at 11:00AM CT. Registration, competition rules, and student resources can be found here. Additional questions can be directed to Congressman Finstad’s Rochester office at (507) 577-6140.