Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Recognizes Congressional App Challenge Winner, Runner-Up

The Bronx, NY - Today, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez unveiled the winner of the Congressional App Challenge from New York’s 14th Congressional District: CrownCatch by Michael Batavia. CrownCatch is a mobile app designed to help users minimize their risk of catching and spreading COVID-19 by providing news from reputable sources, notifying users of local case counts, and encouraging users to socially distance through a points reward system.  A video demonstration of the app is available here. 

“Michael’s application was unique, useful, navigable and had a real potential to scale-up. He also thoughtfully considered behavioral psychology when designing a points system that would incentivize users to observe COVID-19 public health guidelines,” said Rep. Ocasio-Cortez. “I commend him and all the other challenge participants for seeking out this opportunity. The skills they have demonstrated - empathy, innovation, creativity, initiative - speak volumes about the next generation of young leaders.”

The runner-up from NY-14 was the ‘Ability Tester’ app by Christopher Schack. Ability Tester is a website with five tests that measure the user's short-term memory, vision, hand-eye coordination, motor skills and reflex.  A video demonstration of the app is available here. 

Every year, students from across the country participate in the Congressional App Challenge by creating a software application, or “app”, for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice. Each Congressional office that participates in the Challenge selects a winner from their district.  The students are then traditionally recognized at a reception in D.C. - which this year will be held virtually due to COVID-19. 

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