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Promoting Stem Education(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) WASHINGTON, Feb. 21 -- Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va. (6th CD), issued the following column: Whether it's a computer at the office, streaming movies at home, or a navigation system in the car, technology plays a major role in many of our lives these days. The demand for students educated in engineering and technology continues to rise in the United States, but part of the challenge is how to engage students in these subjects and further their understanding of these valuable skills. In order to help encourage student participation in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math, or STEM, the House of Representatives has launched the first ever STEM Academic Competition, commonly referred to as the House App Contest. This new initiative is a nationwide event that allows students from across the country to compete by creating and exhibiting their software application, or "app," for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice. The House App Contest was established by the House of Representatives and authorized by the passage of H. Res 77 early last year. As we embark upon this exciting opportunity for our nation's high school students, I am honored to serve as co-chair of the contest along with Congresswoman Anna Eshoo. All high school students from the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia are invited to participate. Those participating in the Sixth District's contest have the opportunity to design and mock-up an app or design and develop a working app. Students entering the competition must submit a video that features either a demonstration of a working app or an in-depth analysis of the concept and design of the app mock-up by the April 30, 2014 deadline. The video must also explain what the student learned through this competition process. The winning student's app in each participating congressional district will be featured on the U.S. House of Representatives' website and will also be on display in a U.S. Capitol exhibit. The House App Contest is a great opportunity for your children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors who are in high school to showcase their technology skills and learn more about STEM fields. I encourage you to share this information with them. More information and resources for the Sixth District's House App Contest, including contest rules and how to submit entries, is available on my website at Goodlatte.House.Gov. Interested students, parents, and educators may also contact my Washington, D.C. office at 202-225-5431 with any questions. The House App Contest is a great opportunity to foster interest in the STEM fields driving American innovation and help to build a workforce equipped with these skills. As the technology industry in the Commonwealth and throughout the United States continues to grow, it is even more critical that we emphasize the importance of STEM fields to our economic success. I know that we have many creative students in the Sixth District who excel in these fields, and I look forward to receiving their contest submissions. TNS 24KuanRap-140222 30FurigayJof-4645407 30FurigayJof (c) 2014 Targeted News Service |