Eshoo & Goodlatte Named 2014 Co-chairs of First Congressional App Competition

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Reps. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.) and Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) released the following statements after the House Administration Committee appointed them as Co-chairs of the first ever House Academic Competition to promote innovation in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). “Because of your established leadership in this field, the Committee appoints you as co-chairs for the 2014 STEM Competition,” the Committee wrote to Eshoo and Goodlatte. As Co-chairs of the Congressional Internet Caucus, Eshoo and Goodlatte have been at the forefront of promoting education and innovation in the STEM fields, making them ideal candidates to lead the 2014 competition.

The first competition will be formally launched in February 2014 and will be an app competition for high school students in participating Congressional districts.

“I’m thrilled to be leading such an extraordinary opportunity for our nation’s youth and to help foster interest in science, technology, engineering, and math education,” said Eshoo, who also serves as Ranking Member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee. “According to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, the next decade will bring approximately 8.5 million STEM job opportunities, but during the same time we will face a shortage of 1 million STEM graduates. We need to address this mismatch by encouraging our children’s innate curiosity and creativity. What better way to do so than through a mobile apps competition?”

Eshoo continued, “From mobile medical apps that may soon revolutionize the way we seek and receive healthcare, to apps that enable video conferencing and the streaming of online video, our lives have been forever changed by the mobility and economic impact these applications provide. I thank the House Administration Committee for the appointment, and I look forward to the competition.”

“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 the understanding of these valuable skills,” said Goodlatte, who is also Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. “The House Academic Competition is a great opportunity to promote these fields which are driving American innovation. I look forward to working with my Co-Chair Anna Eshoo to oversee this competition which will help to build a workforce equipped with science, technology, engineering and math skills.”

Background:

Earlier this year, the House voted to establish an academic competition that promotes greater innovation among students across the country. The competition, which allows Members to conduct annual contests among students in their district, will encourage greater participation in the STEM fields and help emphasize their importance to our economic success.

On November 20th, the House Administration Committee advanced this important initiative by adopting the regulations governing the competition, including rules on administration, contestants, judges, and resources.

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