COMPUCHLD hosts third annual NASA Space Apps Challenge, promoting STEM-focused afterschool programs

COMPUCHILD, a STEM-focused afterschool program, has hosted its third annual NASA Space Apps Challenge in California.

The NASA Space Apps Challenges is an international hackathon that brings together coders, scientists, designers, storytellers, and technologies. 

Using NASA’s open-source data, the program offers participants a chance to address real world challenges, developing innovative solutions.

High school student Niveta Sree Gunda worked with COMPUCHILD to bring the competition to her community in Mountain House, California, for the first time in 2023. This year’s event welcomed 76 participants and 16 team submissions.

COMPUCHILD’s President Shubhra Kant served as a "Galactic Local Judge” for the event, evaluating the projects entered. 

“Judging this event was not at all easy, as judges had to carefully assess each project's impact, creativity, scientific validity, relevance, and presentation, while considering how effectively teams conveyed their vision and its significance,” Kant shares. “The number of participants has continued to grow every year, and the quality of submissions was so exceptional that selecting the winners proved to be truly difficult."

"COMPUCHILD believes that education is most effective when it is deeply rooted in the community. Children learn best when their unique needs, interests, and local environments are taken into account. This belief forms the foundation of COMPUCHILD's franchising model, which empowers local franchise owners who are already active and trusted members of their communities. Their close connections allow them to create meaningful, personalized learning experiences that truly resonate with children.

“We are actively looking for dedicated community members who are eager to start a COMPUCHILD franchise in their territory."