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December 22, 2023

Crane Announces Winner of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge

Washington, DC – Today, Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ) announced Skanda “Jai” McCabe as the winner of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District. Jai is currently a 9th Grader at Coconino High School in Flagstaff, AZ. He built his first gaming computer when he was 11 and is very passionate about coding, programing, and hardware development. He plans on using utilizing his gifts to become a computer engineer.

“It is inspiring to know young individuals like Jai have a passion for coding, programing, and hardware development,” said Rep. Crane. “His skills and talent will surely help our nation in the future, as we endeavor to preserve America’s security and prosperity by advancing transformative science and technology.”

Jai’s app, Notes2, is an innovative and efficient text editing platform that offers users visually dynamic interfaces.

The Congressional App Challenge is a prestigious prize in student computer science. Participation in the challenge has grown exponentially since the program’s inception.

Most students who win this challenge are just learning how to code a fully functioning app from start to finish.

As the winner of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge, Jai will receive the following:

  • Recognition: Rep. Eli Crane and the Congressional App Challenge community will officially recognize the achievement. The winning app will be:
  • Certificate of Achievement: A formal certificate acknowledging the victory in the 2023 Congressional App Challenge will be presented by the office of Rep. Eli Crane.
  • #HouseofCode: The winner will be invited to attend #HouseofCode, located at the US Capitol Building, and will take place in April 2024.
  • ARTS Act Copyright Waiver: The winner of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge is entitled to have their registration fees waived if they elect to copyright their creation.

To learn more about the Congressional App Challenge, click here.

Be on the lookout for information regarding next year’s competition.

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