Selma High School senior Natalie Bonilla, inspired by personal experience, developed an app that directs people to community resources and support.

In addition to helping people with life’s challenges, Bonilla’s app is receiving recognition.

Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno announced on Wednesday that Bonilla and her app, Community Support, had won the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for the 21st Congressional District.

“Natalie’s app demonstrates how technology can be used to strengthen communities and support those who may be experiencing difficult moments,” said Costa said in a news release.

“As one of America’s future leaders, Natalie has already shown creativity, persistence, and a strong commitment to service. I’m proud to recognize her achievement and look forward to seeing what she accomplishes next.”

‘Completely Shocked to Win’

Bonilla designed Community Support to offer all-in-one access to support. It lists hotlines and resources for issues such as mental health and substance abuse.

The app aims to help reduce the stigma around seeking help and ensures life saving information is easily accessible for the community.

“I come from a family deeply involved in social services, which motivated me to continue helping others,” Bonilla said. “I’m very grateful for this opportunity and honored to have been chosen as this year’s winner. I was completely shocked and didn’t expect it at all… When I received the news, I was incredibly happy.”

The app’s user-friendly interface allows individuals to locate and access urgent and non-urgent resources in one place.

More About Community Support App

Community Support, designed for both iOS and Android platforms, connects users to crisis hotlines and local support groups. The goal is to ensure that individuals find help best suited to their needs.

Bonilla hopes to expand the app by adding more resources, such as food and transportation services. She also wants to enhance the app’s features.

Bonilla built the app using Java — navigating technical challenges such as adapting the app’s design across different devices and debugging codes.

She said the process gave her a deeper appreciation for the complexity of developing a fully functional application.

The Congressional App Challenge aims to foster this kind of innovation and education, encouraging middle and high school students nationwide to explore coding and STEM fields.