2026 Congressional App Challenge

It is an honor to have been able to host the 2026 Congressional App Challenge for Arizona’s First Congressional District.  Each year, thousands of students across the nation participate and demonstrate their coding skills.  The students in our community show incredible talent and potential each year, and I know that our STEM future is in good hands with them. 

It is a pleasure to announce the winners of this year’s Congressional App Challenge!

In first place is Emilio Saenz, with his app ScamShield. ScamShield is an app designed to protect seniors from scam texts and messages, by providing warning signs and a trusted contact to ask for help. Emilio was inspired to create this app to help protect his grandfather from scams.

In second place is Nishita Mishra, with her app QuitCloud Teen.   QuitCloud Teen is designed to help teens ages 13-18 understand, track and manage their vaping habits.  Nishita created this app to help empower people she cared about to quit vaping and improve their health.

In third place is Sarah Davidson, with her app Bridge18.  Bridge18 is an app that helps young people learn to manage their own healthcare, medication, appointments and doctors as they grow into adulthood.  Sarah’s experience as she learned to navigate the healthcare system inspired her to create an app to assist her peers. 

Congratulations to Emilio, Nishita, and Sarah!

Thank you to all the students who participated, as well as the teachers and parents who supported them.