Today, the U.S. Department of Education launched the Reach Higher Career App Challenge with a cash prize pool of $225,000, and over $240,000 in additional prizes. The Challenge seeks to promote the development of mobile solutions that will help students navigate education and career options.

The Reach Higher initiative is the First Lady’s effort to inspire every student in America to take charge of their future by pursuing their education beyond high school.

The First Lady is calling on America’s innovators to design new mobile apps that will help students learn about all career options, including career and technical education (CTE) pathways, and connect them with the programs and jobs they need to fulfill their dreams:

“One simple app can open up a whole new world for our young people.”

– First Lady Michelle Obama

The submissions should include integrated tools to assess student skills and interests, and offer information on occupations, education options, credentials, and career-seeking skills. Want to learn more? Visit ReachHigherChallenge.com to read about the judging criteria and find the rules, terms, and conditions.

Those interested in participating should submit their mobile app concepts by December 7, 2015. We look forward to seeing many breakthrough concepts from America’s innovators as we work together to help students prepare for the future.