Congressman Fong Announces 2025 Congressional App Challenge Winner for California’s 20th District

 This week, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) announced Shashank Ramasubramanian, a freshman at Centennial High School, as the 2025 Congressional App Challenge winner for California’s 20th District.

Shashank was selected for his original app, ReStart, a Python-based platform designed to help individuals experiencing homelessness connect with job opportunities, complete daily tasks that generate income, and move toward long-term stability. By partnering with local agencies and job providers, ReStart matches program participants with suitable employment openings, providing a structured pathway for individuals striving to get back on their feet.

“The Congressional App Challenge empowers the next generation of American innovators, and Shashank’s work is a remarkable example of how technology can improve lives and strengthen our community,” said Congressman Fong (CA-20). “His creativity, compassion, and technical skill all shine through in ReStart. We are proud to honor him as this year’s winner and excited to see what he accomplishes next.”

Middle and high school students who either reside in or attend school in California's 20th District were eligible to participate in this year’s competition.

Each app was evaluated by Judge Chris Diniz, Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer at CSU Bakersfield. 

Shashank’s winning app will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol Building and featured on the House of Representatives’ website. He is also planning to attend the #HouseofCode Reception in Spring 2026, where winners from across the country will showcase their apps to Members of Congress and tech leaders.

About the Congressional App Challenge

Established through House Resolution 77 – Academic Competition Resolution of 2013, the Congressional App Challenge (CAC) is a nationwide initiative to encourage middle and high school students to explore STEM, coding, and computer science. Each participating Member of the U.S. House of Representatives hosts a district-specific challenge, with students invited to create and submit original software applications individually or as teams.