Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) surprised Reid Sotkin, a junior at Jenks High School, with a phone call to inform him that he was the winner of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge.

Mr. Sotkin developed a software application called “Calculating the Future”, an app that teaches young Americans how to invest wisely and use the power of compound interest when planning for retirement.  

“The Congressional App Challenge exists for students like Mr. Sotkin,” said Rep. Hern.  “Mr. Sotkin had a brilliant idea for a valuable app, and he taught himself how to code in order to make his idea a reality. There is so much young talent here in our district and it’s important for parents and educators to cultivate STEM skills in our students moving forward.  STEM fields are the gateway to the jobs of the future, and I am so proud of the work that Mr. Sotkin, and other Congressional App Challenge winners across the country have accomplished.

Background Information

The Congressional App Challenge launched in 2016 with the intent of fostering appreciation for computer science and STEM skills in high school students. Members of the House of Representatives host district-by-district competitions each school year for students to design an app. Winners from each Congressional district are selected to be displayed in the US Capitol Building and featured on the House of Representatives’ website. Winners are also awarded $250 in Amazon Web Services credits.

More information on the Congressional App Challenge can be found here.

More information on Mr. Sotkin’s winning app, can be found here.

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