Saginaw Public Schools is proud to announce that Diya Ramakrishnan, a junior at the Saginaw Arts & Sciences Academy (SASA) and a Student School Board Member, has once again been named a winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge—marking her second consecutive year earning one of the nation’s most prestigious honors in student computer science.
Diya, who is in the math/science concentration, first captured national attention last year when she developed an innovative app designed to help detect early signs of cancer, showcasing not only her technical skill but also her deep commitment to improving lives through technology.
This year, she has continued to elevate her work, earning another Congressional App Challenge award and solidifying her reputation as one of the region’s most promising young innovators.
The Congressional App Challenge (CAC) is an initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives, where members of Congress host annual coding competitions for middle and high school students in their districts. The program encourages students to learn computer science, explore STEM pathways, and develop creative solutions to real‑world problems.
Diya will be honored at the national Congressional App Challenge House of Code event in Washington, D.C., where she will showcase her work to members of Congress and leaders in the tech community.
Her project, PRISM (Pancreatic mixed Reality Innovation for Surgical Management), is a two‑part surgical tool designed to support surgeons before and during pancreatic cancer procedures.
PRISM includes a web platform that can analyze CT scans and identify key organs, vessels, and tumors in under 40 seconds.
It also features a mixed‑reality headset that detects major organs and blood flow in real time during surgery, helping improve navigation and reducing the risk of post‑surgery complications.
As a winner, Diya will receive:
Her winning app showcased at the U.S. Capitol for one year
A feature on House.gov and the Congressional App Challenge website
An invitation to #HouseOfCode, the national celebration in Washington, D.C.
A copyright fee waiver through the ARTS Act
Diya’s achievement highlights not only her exceptional talent, but also the strength of SPSD’s commitment to STEM education, innovation, and student leadership.
As a Student School Board Member, Diya plays a key role in elevating student voice and representing her peers at the district level.
The House of Code celebration will take place Tuesday, April 21, and Wednesday, April 22, at the United States Capitol.
Saginaw Public Schools congratulates Diya on this remarkable accomplishment and celebrates her continued dedication, leadership, and innovation.