CGI Innovate IT Challenge
The CGI Innovate IT Challenge is a mobile app challenge for high school students. Small teams of up to 4 students partner with CGI and if available, University Mentors, to develop a smart phone app utilizing a mobile app building application. No prior coding experience is necessary. The 6th Annual Challenge starts the week of January 26, 2026, and goes through April 3, 2026. The Day of Challenge is where teams will present their mobile app to a panel of judges either in person if possible, or virtual, depending on the participating teams and judges. The team with the most innovative, applicable, and creative mobile app design will receive college scholarship funds.
Team Requirements:
All team members must be actively enrolled in high school (grades 9-12), consist of 2-4 members, No GPA minimum but within good academic standing, and be able to attend all virtual mentoring sessions at least once a week. If you are filling out the application for your team, be sure to have the information for each participating teammate.
Only submit one form per team.
Applying as an individual with no team?
Not a problem as we will use your application to pair you up with other students to create a team of 2-4.
Your Name
*
First Name
Last Name
Your School Email Address
*
example@pghschools.org
Your Personal Email Address
*
example@gmail.com
School District
*
ex: Pittsburgh Public Schools
High School
*
ex: Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy
Grade Level
*
9th Grade (Freshman)
10th Grade (Sophomore)
11th Grade (Junior)
12th Grade (Senior)
Name of School Guidance Counselor or STEM Teacher for School Contact
*
First Name
Last Name
Email Address of Above School Contact
*
example@pghschools.org
Which do you self-identify with? You may choose more than one.
*
White
Hispanic or Latinx
American Indian or Alaska Native
Black or African American
Asian
Which do you identify with?
*
Male
Female
Non-Binary
Prefer Not to Answer
There will be 2 in-person events, what will be your main transportation plan?
*
Public Transportation (i.e. bus)
Student will drive themself
Parent/guardian will drive student
While we suggest using a computer to complete your work, we understand that access to other devices may work better for you. Which of the below devices do you plan to do the bulk of your work?
*
Computer/Laptop
Mobile Phone
Tablet (i.e. iPad)
Other
What is your experience level with coding?
*
None
Beginner - I’m just starting to explore this area. I may have taken a class, attended a workshop, or have basic interest, but I don’t have much hands-on experience yet.
Intermediate - I have some experience through school, clubs, or personal projects. I understand the basics and can apply them with some guidance, but I’m still building confidence and consistency.
Advanced - I have strong experience in this area, such as leading projects, competing, mentoring others, or applying my skills independently. I’m confident taking initiative and problem-solving on my own.
Have you or any of your teammates participated in a CGI IT Challenge in the past?
*
Yes, one of my teammates or I have participated in the past.
No, neither my teammates nor I have participated in the past.
Are you applying for your team or as an individual?
*
I am applying for my team of 2-4 students.
I am applying as an individual looking to join a team.
Back
Next
Team Information
Team Name
*
If you are an individual, this will be a suggested name for your team to pick from.
Do you have any ideas or areas of interest for the app you’d like to create?
This helps us form teams with shared interests and goals. (You can share a specific idea or general topic you’re interested in exploring!)
When would be the best day(s) for you (individual) or your team to meet virtually?
*
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
What time of day works best for you (individual) or your team to join a virtual meeting?
*
Mornings (9:00am-11:00am)
Afternoon (12:00pm-3:00pm)
Early Evening (4:00pm-6:00pm)
Late Evening (7:00pm-9:00pm)
Submit
IF you are applying as an individual looking to be partnered with a team, then STOP here.
You can now submit your application.
Back
Next
Teammate Application
You have filled out the responses about yourself but now will need to complete the responses for each of your teammates. Only complete this page if you are a team of 2-4.
Name
*
First Name
Last Name
Teammate #1's School Email Address
*
example@pghschools.org
Teammate #1's Personal Email Address
*
example@example.com
Teammate #1's School District
*
ex: Pittsburgh Public Schools
Teammate #1's High School
*
ex: Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy
Teammate #1's Grade Level
*
9th Grade (Freshman)
10th Grade (Sophomore)
11th Grade (Junior)
12th Grade (Senior)
Which does Teammate #1 self-identify with? You may choose more than one.
*
White
Hispanic or Latinx
American Indian or Alaska Native
Black or African American
Asian
Which does Teammate #1 identify with?
*
Male
Female
Non-Binary
Prefer Not to Answer
There will be 2 in-person events, what will be Teammate #1's transportation plan?
*
Public Transportation (i.e. bus)
Student will drive themself
Parent/guardian will drive student
While we suggest using a computer to complete your work, we understand that access to other devices may work better for you. Which of the below devices does Teammate #1 plan to do the bulk of their work?
*
Computer/Laptop
Mobile Phone
Tablet (i.e. iPad)
Other
Teammate #1's experience with coding?
*
None
Beginner - I’m just starting to explore this area. I may have taken a class, attended a workshop, or have basic interest, but I don’t have much hands-on experience yet.
Intermediate - I have some experience through school, clubs, or personal projects. I understand the basics and can apply them with some guidance, but I’m still building confidence and consistency.
Advanced - I have strong experience in this area, such as leading projects, competing, mentoring others, or applying my skills independently. I’m confident taking initiative and problem-solving on my own.
Back
Next
Teammate Application
You have filled out the responses about yourself and one other teammate. Only complete this page if you are a team of 3 or 4.
Name
First Name
Last Name
Teammate #2's School Email Address
example@pghschools.org
Teammate #2's Personal Email Address
example@gmail.com
Teammate #2's School District
ex: Pittsburgh Public Schools
Teammate #2's High School
ex: Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy
Teammate #2's Grade Level
9th Grade (Freshman)
10th Grade (Sophomore)
11th Grade (Junior)
12th Grade (Senior)
Which does Teammate #2 self-identify with? You may choose more than one.
White
Hispanic or Latinx
American Indian or Alaska Native
Black or African American
Asian
Which does Teammate #2 identify with?
Male
Female
Non-Binary
Prefer Not to Answer
There will be 2 in-person events, what will be Teammate #2's transportation plan?
Public Transportation (i.e. bus)
Student will drive themself
Parent/guardian will drive student
While we suggest using a computer to complete your work, we understand that access to other devices may work better for you. Which of the below devices does Teammate #2 plan to do the bulk of their work?
Computer/Laptop
Mobile Phone
Tablet (i.e. iPad)
Other
Teammate #2's experience with coding?
None
Beginner - I’m just starting to explore this area. I may have taken a class, attended a workshop, or have basic interest, but I don’t have much hands-on experience yet.
Intermediate - I have some experience through school, clubs, or personal projects. I understand the basics and can apply them with some guidance, but I’m still building confidence and consistency.
Advanced - I have strong experience in this area, such as leading projects, competing, mentoring others, or applying my skills independently. I’m confident taking initiative and problem-solving on my own.
Back
Next
Teammate Application
You have filled out the responses about yourself and two other teammates. Only complete this page if you are a team of 4.
Name
First Name
Last Name
Teammate #3's School Email Address
example@pghschools.org
Teammate #3's Personal Email Address
example@gmail.com
Teammate #3's School District
ex: Pittsburgh Public Schools
Teammate #3's High School
ex: Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy
Teammate #3's Grade Level
9th Grade (Freshman)
10th Grade (Sophomore)
11th Grade (Junior)
12th Grade (Senior)
Which does Teammate #3 self-identify with? You may choose more than one.
White
Hispanic or Latinx
American Indian or Alaska Native
Black or African American
Asian
Which does Teammate #3 identify with?
Male
Female
Non-Binary
Prefer Not to Answer
There will be 2 in-person events, what will be Teammate #3's transportation plan?
Public Transportation (i.e. bus)
Student will drive themself
Parent/guardian will drive student
While we suggest using a computer to complete your work, we understand that access to other devices may work better for you. Which of the below devices does Teammate #3 plan to do the bulk of their work?
Computer/Laptop
Mobile Phone
Tablet (i.e. iPad)
Other
Teammate #3's experience with coding?
None
Beginner - I’m just starting to explore this area. I may have taken a class, attended a workshop, or have basic interest, but I don’t have much hands-on experience yet.
Intermediate - I have some experience through school, clubs, or personal projects. I understand the basics and can apply them with some guidance, but I’m still building confidence and consistency.
Advanced - I have strong experience in this area, such as leading projects, competing, mentoring others, or applying my skills independently. I’m confident taking initiative and problem-solving on my own.
Submit
Should be Empty: