Underwood Announces 14th District’s Jensen Coonradt as the 2021 Congressional App Challenge Winner

WEST CHICAGO - Congresswoman Underwood is pleased to announce Jensen Coonradt as the winner of the 2021 Congressional App Challenge in the 14th District. Now in its seventh year, the Congressional App Challenge is the largest student computer science competition in the country. Coonradt was chosen for her app called "Tel-Emergency," which allows users to live call emergency operators and enter their medical information for when first responders arrive. It also includes translation and hearing-impaired features. Coonradt's goal was to increase emergency response time and effectiveness by routing callers to the closest local emergency department.

"I am inspired by the incredible work Jensen and the other 14th District students have created. I hope they continue their passion in coding and app development – our community and country need future STEM leaders like them," said Underwood.

"A quote from Socrates, ‘The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new,' inspired me to solve problems in my community by developing new concepts and creating solutions using STEM," said Coonradt.

STEM careers are the fastest growing U.S. job industry, but only 16% of working professionals in STEM careers are from diverse backgrounds, with women steadily dropping out of the profession over the last two decades. Through the Congressional App Challenge, Congress seeks to encourage the next generation of students to code and inspire students from all background to pursue careers in STEM.

The annual App Challenge aims to seek out the best up-and-coming STEM talent from each district and award most prestigious prize in student computer science and requires middle school and high school students to create and submit their original apps.

"Tel-Emergency," the winning app from the 14th District, is expected to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol building, on the U.S. House of Representatives website, and the Congressional App Challenge website.

For further information about the Congressional App Challenge, visit /congressional-app-challenge.

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