Congressman Gonzalez Recognizes Winner of the 15th District’s 2017 Congressional App Challenge

WASHINGTON – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announced that Eric Ledesma of Juarez Lincoln High School in Mission, Texas, has won the 2017 Congressional App Challenge for the 15th District of Texas with his ‘Financial Calculator' mobile application. The Congressional App Challenge occurs each year and is a public effort to encourage students to learn how to code, through district-wide competitions hosted by each Member of Congress.

As a member of clubs and other student organizations that engage in and rely on fundraising, Eric understands the challenges that come with accurately and efficiently counting money. In an effort to more efficiently count money, he created the ‘Financial Calculator' app. He hopes to improve the app so that more student organizations can use it.

"It is exciting to see bright young minds like Eric who are looking for new ways to increase efficiency," Congressman Gonzalez said. "I would like to congratulate Eric for winning this year's App Challenge and encourage him and all students in the 15th District to continue innovating."

Students participating in the Congressional App Challenge were given access to resources, such as the MIT App Inventor, which provided participants with an outlet to turn their ideas into concrete apps. Submitted applications were judged on the quality of their idea and the execution of the finished product.

Congressman Gonzalez encourages every student in the 15th District of Texas to consider participating in this Challenge and any other event that allows for creative expression and innovation. Students wishing to participate in future competitions may visit www.congressionalappchallenge.us for more information.