In December of 2019, an AppsCo team from Richwoods High School won the Congressional App Challenge in the IL-18 District. Students Cassidy Miles-Coleman, Katrina Crawford, Aditi Tripathi, Brianna Hill, and Rachel Bousek designed an app for the Wildlife Prairie Park under the guidance of their advisor Brian Michael. The goal of the app is to enhance the visitor experience at the wildlife park. Some features of the app include:
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- Guest list
- Loyalty program
- Geo-fencing
- GPS interactive maps
- Coupons
- Push notifications
- Direct lodging reservations
- Events calendar
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The application is not only beneficial for the visitors but also for the operators of the park. An online analytics dashboard allows Wildlife Prairie Park to gain real-time insights and information on visitors.
The AppsCo team was required to submit a video explaining the application they created. It was then chosen as the winner by their 18th congressional representative Darin LaHood. According to LaHood, “Not only did these students display exceptional coding and technical skills in their application, but their innovative design will provide an important resource to individuals exploring Wildlife Prairie Park.” The AppsCo team will now head to #HoseofCode in Washington, D.C., where they will get to celebrate their achievements and network with winning teams from other congressional districts.
About AppsCo
Founded by serial entrepreneur Alexis Khazzam, AppsCo is a not-for-profit organization (501(c)(3)) that provides an integrated business learning curriculum for public school students. With close ties to the Peoria Public Schools, the organization strives to provide a safe environment that both challenges minds and fosters mentorship via local business leaders. Students receive real-life and business experience through internships with local businesses.
By working in tandem with local businesses and students, AppsCo invests in the future health of the Peoria community. Through fostering student relationships with local leaders the not-for-profit boosts confidence and the hope of opportunity. Their goal is to keep students in the program local to both help themselves and the community thrive in the future.
