High school students to learn app development from Google Engineer, compete in contest

PHOENIX – Some students from around the Valley are getting a chance to learn mobile app development from a pro, then put that knowledge into action.

Jennifer Alvarez, digital media and marketing officer with the Town of Gilbert, said about 200 students will be at Arizona State University’s Polytechnic Campus on Friday as part of a kick-off event for the 3rd Annual Students Participate in App Resources and Knowledge App League, also known as the SPARK App League.

“This event is really to peak more student interest in app development,” Alvarez said.

At the event, students will get to learn mobile app development from some of the best in the business, including Google Engineer Jessie ‘Chuy’ Chavez.

“Students come to ASU’s Poly Campus and learn all about app development from design, to wire framing, prototyping and then all the way through code implementation,” Alvarez said.

After the event, students are then invited to compete in Gilbert’s app-building contest.

“The students will take data we give them and they’re free to do with it what they think a user would want from a mobile app,” Alvarez said.

The applications will be judged and placed into different categories such as best design, in which students can win various prizes.

The best app overall will win the top prize of being used as inspiration for the town’s own mobile app.

“If they have a concept, the design, they can just submit that design for prizes,” Alvarez said. “We’re looking for that creativity; what can’t we think of as a government organization that people are wanting.”

Students can still sign up to take part in the app development contest until Feb. 14 by visiting http://sparkappleague.com/