Middle and High school students across the United States can enter the third Verizon Innovative App Challenge and create app concepts that solve problems in their schools and communities.
This challenge, designed to encourage youth interest in science, technology, engineering and math, lasts through Nov. 24. Teams will be judged on whether the concept solves community challenges, includes STEM principles, and is creative, unique and innovative.
“Verizon created this program to address the critical need for more students to enter STEM fields,” said Justina Nixon-Saintil, director of education programs for the Verizon Foundation. “The Verizon Innovative App Challenge is a problem-based learning experience that fosters collaboration among students, enhances their problem solving skills, and provides an introduction to computer science. It combines a focus on STEM with other important skills, like teamwork, organization and communication, and also allows students to harness their creative talent and enthusiasm to help others in their communities."
Winners will be chosen at the Best in State, Best in Region, and Best in Nation levels. Winners at all levels will receive training from MIT on app development, and both Best in Region and Best in Nation teams will receive grants, at $5,000 and $20,000, respectively. Members of the eight Best in Nation teams will also receive tablets.
Best in Nation winners will develop their apps, which Verizon will bring to the Google Play store. They will present their apps at the 2015 Technology Student Association National Conference.
