Dear Colleagues —

Today, the U.S. Department of Education launched the Reach Higher Career App Challenge (RHCAC or Challenge) to promote the development of mobile solutions that will help students navigate education and career options, while increasing the capacity of career counselors to assist students in planning for their futures. This Challenge supports First Lady Michele Obama’s Reach Higher Initiative to inspire every student in America to take charge of their future by pursuing their education beyond high school.

The Challenge calls upon educators, mobile application (app) developers, and other interested individuals to submit their concepts for mobile apps that:  (1) are focused on middle and high school students, (2) include integrated tools to assess user skills and interests, and (3) offer users accessible information on occupations, education options, credentials, and career-seeking skills through an individualized user experience.  The challenge carries a cash prize pool of $225,000 and over $240,000 in additional prizes.

The Federal Register notice, which includes the complete Challenge rules, is provided here. Submissions are due on or before December 7, 2015.  

Please share this information with your schools and networks to generate as much interest in and as many entries as possible.

Best —
Sharon Lee Miller
Director, Division of Academic and Technical Education