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First Lady Melania Trump unveiled a new nationwide challenge on Tuesday aimed at preparing the next generation of American children to interact with and use AI technology in safe and innovative ways.
“The Presidential AI Challenge will be the first step in preparing our next generation with a base understanding of this important new technology,” the First Lady said in an official statement.
“In just a few short years, artificial intelligence will be the engine driving every business sector across our economy,” she noted. “It is important America leads the rest of the world.”
This AI challenge seeks to “inspire young people and educators to create AI-based innovative solutions to community challenges while fostering AI interest and competency.”
Participating students who take part in this challenge will create a project that involves the use and development of AI tech to address such challenges. Educators, by contrast, will focus on creative ways to use AI in the teaching environment.
Students and classrooms in grades K-12 are eligible to participate, regardless of whether they are in a homeschool, private, public, or charter program, according to the challenge guidebook.
Submissions will be awarded a “Presidential Certificate of Participation.” Other prizes may include “Cloud Credits” and access to special resources for AI education. Regional champions will be considered for an invitation to Washington, D.C., for what will be a “three-day, in-person event” showcasing participants’ creations.
National champions will receive all the above, including monetary rewards for schools in the elementary category and for each team member in higher grade levels.
This exciting national challenge begins in August 2025 and requires participants to submit a project by January 20, 2026. The guidebook outlines three tiers of competition: state, regional, and national championships, which begin in January 2026 and conclude in June.
Mrs. Trump’s support and organization of this AI challenge comes on the heels of President Trump’s strong push to develop and expedite AI development in the United States through a series of executive orders.
