Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX) speaks at a press conference on immigration on Capitol Hill on November 18, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Office of U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, has announced leadership opportunities and ways for teenagers and young adults to get involved in public service and the community.
Here is a rundown of what Escobar’s office says it has to offer as far as youth programs.
The Congressional App Challenge (CAC)
The Congressional App Challenge is hosted by members of Congress for middle-school and high-school students to encourage participation in STEM education, develop coding skills, and create original applications that better their communities. The Congressional App Challenge is one of the most prestigious national prizes for students in computer science.
The CAC is open to middle- and high-school students who reside in or attend school in the 16th Congressional District of Texas. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. MT Oct. 26. To learn more, click here.
The Congressional Youth Advisory Council (CYAC)
CYAC offers a unique opportunity for students to learn about the federal government, debate policy, and participate in an interactive experience. The CYAC works with Escobar’s office to research topics and bills while collaborating alongside their peers.
All students living in the district and in grades 10-12 are eligible to apply. The deadline to submit an application is 5 p.m. Sept, 15. To learn more, click here.
Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Escobar hosts an annual Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest.
The contest is open to current middle-school students (Grades 6-8) residing in the Texas 16th Congressional District. The deadline to submit an essay is 5 p.m. on Sept. 20. For more information, click here.
Service Academy Nomination
Each year, Escobar can nominate a limited number of extraordinary high schoolers to four of the five service academies.
The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Oct. 12. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible. For more information, click here.
Escobar offers leadership opportunities and competitions year-round for teens and young adults in El Paso. El Pasoans are encouraged to subscribe to her newsletter, check her website, and follow her social media pages @repescobar to stay informed.