CLC Students Present SOS app for Veterans at White House

We’re proud to share that a group of Central Lakes College Mobile Application Development students are among 10 finalists in the nation for the fourth annual Community College Innovation Challenge, sponsored by The National Science Foundation and the American Association of Community Colleges.

The national contest challenged community college students to use science, technology, engineering and mathematics to find innovative solutions to real-world problems. The group of CLC Mobile Application Development students, along with instructor Sam Espana, created an app called Supporting Our Servicemembers. The app helps active military and veterans' families cope with stress, especially during a time of crisis. Through the touch of a button, a veteran in crisis can instantly connect with several trusted family and friends at once, who can help prevent suicide or bodily harm.

CLC student team members: Rick Vinje (U.S. National Guard), Patrick Hofmann, Matt Boyer (veteran), Austin Clark, Sam Espana (faculty mentor), Tom Bonar (veteran) and Jeff Roxberg (veteran); were invited to the White House to present their  mobile app to assist veterans in distress (SOS app) and joined by Congressman Rick Nolan during their presentation in the West Wing.

The CLC team, along with the other finalists, participated in an Innovation Boot Camp in Virginia this month, June. On the last day of the Innovation Boot Camp, all finalists are scheduled to present their projects before congressmen at Capitol Hill in Washington DC. Finally, the top two projects will be chosen, with first place winning $1,500 and second winning $1,200. READ MORE >>>