What's Happening in Levittown, NY…

For the second year in a row, students who either live in or go to school in New York's 4th district, near Levittown, will be able to participate in the Congressional App Challenge.

The contest, aimed at high school students but open to younger students as well, asks students to create their own software programs designed to be used on mobile devices, such as tablets and smartphones.

Any student with an interested in coding is able to participate in the challenge, even students who are completely new to technology or coding. The contest is open to applications from individual students or from teams. Up to four students are allowed on a team.

Districts and schools that hope to encourage students to gain more experience with and interest in technology can use poster printing to highlight the advantages of entering the contest.

Last year, students from the area did not need much encouragement. A team of four Mineola High School students took home the top prize in the challenge. The students built an app called Ciao Chow, the goal of which is to reach out to people with disabilities, seniors, and people with emotional difficulties, and connect them with dogs who need a good home.

The deadline for entering the Congressional App Challenge is November 1. A panel of judges will choose the winning apps, which will be put up on display in the US Capitol building.