Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) announced Abhay Kadambi of Union High School in Camas as the winner of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge.
For the challenge, Kadambi created “TeenTalk Youth Line,” a web application that can connect teenagers in need with peer support online. He created the app to collaborate with Clark County TeenTalk, which is part of Clark County’s Department of Community Services.
Kadambi used React Native and Firebase, and the app includes login, moderation, and time-tracking functions. It is not yet launched for general use, as Clark County staff and youth volunteers continue to work on an app to be reviewed for approval.
Kadambi created the application after experiencing the isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and wanting to create a virtual space to connect local high-school students facing similar challenges.
His submission was selected by a local judge and will be eligible to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol and featured on House.gov.
“Leave it to Southwest Washington to take a look at this challenge and build an app with the potential to make a real, positive impact in our community,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “I want to congratulate Abhay for his submission, and thank you to everyone who participated – it’s evident that our next generation is truly talented.”
“I developed this app in response to the challenges I faced during quarantine, particularly dealing with social isolation and its impact on my mental health,” said Abhay Kadambi, Congressional App Challenge winner. “I realized that having a platform to connect with peers my age could have significantly eased my struggles by offering advice and support.”
“I feel incredibly lucky that Abhay contacted us at TeenTalk and proposed the possibility of creating an app for our program,” said TeenTalk Program Coordinator Kris Henriksen. “He is an extremely talented young man, and I am hopeful we can work through all the steps needed to expand access to the youth we serve in this exciting new way.”