Apps for Good that Help Low-Income, Heath and Ed Contest Open to Devs

AT&T and One Economy are offering $50,000 in prizes to developers who design apps that help families find jobs, get healthy, improve education, and build financial security.

Categories include Jobs, Health, Education and Banking.  The grand prize winner will receive $10,000.  Apps on any operating system will be accepted.  The public can vote for a popular-choice winner on the website.

According to a Pew Research Center report, low-income households often access the Internet on mobile phones and devices instead of home Internet connections.  Those without computers and high-speed in-home Internet are disproportionately people of color.  87% of African Americans and Latinos own smart or feature phones and are more likely to take advantage of a wide array of phone data functions.  Low-Income households can get free cell phones in some states, but they are basic models - not high-end smartphones.

The contest began on March 14 and will run through May 16, 2011.

Participants can enter the contest and view details about the rules at www.applicationsforgood.org.