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Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) hosted a virtual reception to announce the winner of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge: Eastwood High School student Jie Chen, who won with the submission of the application Tech Nav. Tech Nav helps seniors learn the basics of using a smartphone like WiFi configuration, zooming into the screen, or setting text size and relearn it daily without external help.

“Congratulations to Jie Chen from Eastwood High School. Her winning app empowers seniors and helps them stay connected to their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “I am inspired by Jie and all the talented El Paso coders who developed innovative apps to solve everyday problems, and extend my gratitude to the judges, educators, and families for assisting in making this competition a success.”

Officially launched by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015, this nationwide competition encourages middle and high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications. The App Challenge is intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education.

Jie Chen, alongside winners from across the country, will be recognized virtually and showcase her winning application to Congress and the broader tech community during the #HouseOfCode Festival in the Spring of 2021.

The Office of Congresswoman Escobar received a total of 44 submissions from students across 7 middle and high schools within Texas’ 16th Congressional District.

Below are the full results of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge:

• 1st Place: Tech Nav by Jie Chen. 12^th Grade, Eastwood High School
• 2nd Place: Glass Detector by Jaeha Yi. 12^th Grade, Coronado High School
• 3rd Place: My Med Journal by Selena Turrey. 7^th Grade, Parkland Middle School

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