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Sharon Middle School Students Develop App For People With Autism

SHARON (CBS) – A group of Sharon Middle School students was recognized for its efforts developing a mobile app to help people with autism.

The seventh graders developed the app called Empower, designed to connect people with autism to employers, volunteers and caretakers.

The app was selected "Best in Massachusetts" and "Best in Northeast Region" in the Verizon Innovative Learning App Challenge.

Sharon Middle School
Sharon Middle School received a check for $20,000 thanks to the efforts of a group of students. (WBZ-TV)

By winning Best in State, Sharon Middle School was awarded a $5,000 prize.

A panel of education and industry experts then chose the project as one of eight Best In Nation Award winners, giving the school an additional $15,000 and the opportunity to work with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab experts to create their app.

Empower is also in the running for the National Fan Favorite award for an additional prize.

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