At a Glance
- Julian Miramontes, 14, won the national app challenge with his Know Your Rights app.
- The app teaches users about their immigration rights and quizzes them on key legal protections.
- The victory earned a $250 prize and a trip to Washington, D.C.
Why it matters: The app provides a practical resource for communities affected by immigration enforcement, empowering individuals to know their legal rights.
The story of a 14-year-old from El Sereno Middle School, who turned a classroom project into a nationally recognized tool, highlights how technology can serve civic education.
The App That Educates
Julian Miramontes, 14, created the Know Your Rights app with guidance from his STEM teacher. The app delivers concise explanations of legal protections and follows up with quizzes to reinforce learning. For instance, one quiz question asks, “This amendment protects our rights to remain silent when detained,” offering the Fifth Amendment and Fourth Amendment as answer choices.
He said, “I wanted to create a resource that was easily accessible, so people could know their rights in this country,” adding, “I’m helping out my community in a good way.” The app is not publicly available unless users receive a link, keeping the distribution controlled and targeted.
The app’s structure:
- Information module: Clear, user-friendly summaries of relevant amendments.
- Quiz module: Interactive questions that test retention.
- Feedback: Immediate correct answers and explanations.
Julian’s motivation stemmed from witnessing the impact of immigration raids on his neighborhood. “I saw the effects these immigration raids were having on the community,” he said.
Winning the National Challenge
The competition, held in California’s 34th Congressional District, invites middle and high school students to design original apps that solve real-world problems. Julian’s Know Your Rights app stood out among entries, earning the top prize and a $250 award.
Congressman Jimmy Gomez, who represents the district, praised the project: “(It) recognizes the crisis and what the fear is in the neighborhood and says, ‘OK, what would I want people to have?'” He noted that the app fulfills the competition’s goal of addressing community needs.
The winner receives more than a monetary prize. Julian will travel to Washington, D.C., to meet other national winners, fostering a network of young innovators.
Community Impact
Julian’s parents highlighted his initiative. Enoc Miramontes, Julian’s dad, said, “For us to see that he, on his own, took the initiative of choosing this topic, which is near and dear to us and our family members, it definitely creates a sense of pride and joy for us.”
The app’s targeted distribution allows the family to share it directly with friends and community members who may benefit most from the information.
The project exemplifies how a student can turn personal concern into a practical solution. By providing a tool that clarifies legal rights, the app helps users navigate encounters with federal agents more confidently.
Future Plans
While the app is not yet publicly released, Julian plans to refine it further. He intends to expand the quiz database and incorporate additional legal resources, ensuring the tool remains relevant as laws evolve.
The journey from a classroom assignment to a national award showcases the potential of youth-driven technology. Julian’s success may inspire other students to tackle pressing civic issues through app development.
The story was reported by Jonathan P. Miller and published by News Of Los Angeles.
Key Takeaways
- A 14-year-old from El Sereno Middle School created an app that educates users on immigration rights.
- The app won a national competition, earning a $250 prize and a trip to Washington, D.C.
- The project demonstrates how technology can empower communities facing immigration enforcement.
- Julian’s parents and Congressman Jimmy Gomez praised the initiative for addressing local concerns.
The Know Your Rights app stands as a testament to how young innovators can make a tangible difference in their communities.
