Question 1

What is the Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge?

Accepted Answer

The Presidential AI Challenge is a nationwide competition created to inspire K–12 students and educators to explore innovative uses of artificial intelligence. Launched under the Executive Order on Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth (April 2025), the Challenge encourages participants to design AI-based solutions that address real-world issues in their schools, communities, and beyond.

Question 2

Who can participate?

Accepted Answer

The Challenge is open to students from K–12 school districts, youth organizations, and educators across the United States. Participants may join individually or as part of a team in one of these categories: K–5 Explorers, Middle School Innovators, High School Visionaries, and Educator-Led Collaborations.

Question 3

What are the project submission deadlines?

Accepted Answer

The Challenge officially launched on August 26, 2025, and all project submissions are due by January 20, 2026.

Question 4

How does the Challenge work?

Accepted Answer

Teams select one of three tracks: Track I – Proposal (share an idea for how AI could address a community challenge); Track II – Technical/Implementation (build a working AI project or prototype); Track III – Educator Track (demonstrate how AI tools can be taught or used to improve learning experiences). Projects are reviewed at the state, regional, and national levels.

Question 5

What kinds of projects can students create?

Accepted Answer

Projects may address topics such as Environmental Sustainability, Health & Wellness, Education Innovation, Community Service, and Data for Social Good. Example ideas include an AI tutor with personalized learning support, a chatbot that gives weather-based clothing advice, an AI-assisted "lost and found" app, and a system that optimizes school bus routes.

Question 6

How can educators help students get started?

Accepted Answer

Wayfinder’s Sparking AIdeas Activity is a free classroom resource that helps students brainstorm meaningful project ideas by reflecting on what they love, what they’re good at, and the needs they see in their world—connecting purpose with innovation before they begin their Challenge project.

Question 7

How does this Challenge prepare students for the future?

Accepted Answer

Participating helps students build future-ready skills: understanding how AI works and its ethical considerations; creative problem-solving and collaboration; communication and project design; digital literacy and responsible AI use; and exposure to career pathways in technology and innovation. Wayfinder’s mission is to help every learner grow the human skills that AI cannot replace—curiosity, creativity, empathy, and purpose.

Question 8

Where can I find more AI learning resources?

Accepted Answer

Explore Wayfinder’s AI + Education Resource Hub for classroom activities, educator guides, and professional learning tools that prepare students for success in the age of AI.

Question 9

Can I use the Purpose Compass activity to help with the Challenge?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Purpose Compass helps students identify what they love, what they’re skilled at, and the problems they care about solving. This alignment guides them toward meaningful, strengths-based AI project ideas.

Question 10

How do I submit my project?

Accepted Answer

Official submission instructions will be provided by the Presidential AI Challenge task force through participating state and district education offices. Check back on this page or sign up for Wayfinder updates to receive reminders, deadlines, and proposal guidance.

Question 11

Who is organizing the Challenge?

Accepted Answer

The Challenge is supported by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the U.S. Department of Education, and the National Science Foundation, in partnership with industry, academic, and nonprofit organizations working to expand AI literacy in K–12 education.

Question 12

Why does this matter?

Accepted Answer

As AI continues to reshape society, education must evolve with it. While AI can automate tasks, it cannot truly understand, imagine, or empathize. The Challenge empowers students to use AI as a tool—not a substitute—for creativity, critical thinking, and purposeful innovation.

The Presidential AI Challenge

What Is the Presidential AI Challenge?

How the AI Challenge Works

Wayfinder Prepares Every Learner for Success in the Age of AI

Brainstorm your Presidential AI Challenge Project with the Sparking AIdeas Activity

Elevating Human Skills in an AI World