Presidential AI Challenge

Overview

The Presidential AI Challenge is a national competition for K-12 students, launched by Executive Order and administered by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy in partnership with ORISE. Students design and build AI-powered solutions that address real-world problems in their communities.

Winners advance through state and regional rounds to compete at the national finals held at the White House.

Student Tracks

Track I: AI Proposal (Grades K-12)

• Submit a written proposal (up to 500 words) describing an AI solution to a community problem
• Include a visual poster summarizing your concept
• No coding required -- focused on creative thinking and problem identification

Track II: AI Implementation (Grades 6-12)

• Build a working AI prototype that solves a real-world community challenge
• Submit a demo video (up to 3 minutes) showcasing your solution
• Include documentation of your approach, data sources, and impact

What to Submit

• Track I: 500-word narrative + poster (PDF or image)
• Track II: 500-word narrative + demo video (up to 3 min) + project documentation
• All submissions must clearly explain the community problem, your AI approach, and expected impact

Timeline

• Registration Opens: September 2025
• Submissions Due: January 2026
• State Judging: March 2026
• Regional Finals: April 2026
• National Finals (White House): Late April 2026

Eligibility

• Open to all U.S. citizens and permanent residents
• Grades K-12 (both tracks); Track II requires Grade 6+
• Individual or team submissions (up to 4 students)
• Must be enrolled in a U.S. school or homeschool program

Sample Project Ideas

• AI Tutoring System -- Personalized learning assistant that adapts to student skill levels
• Computer Vision for Accessibility -- App that helps visually impaired users navigate public spaces
• Environmental Monitoring -- AI-powered system to track local air or water quality
• Mental Health Chatbot -- Supportive AI companion that connects students with resources
• Food Waste Reduction -- Smart system for school cafeterias to minimize food waste
• Community Safety -- AI analysis of traffic patterns to identify dangerous intersections

Competition Structure

1. State Level -- Submissions judged by state panels of educators and industry professionals
2. Regional Level -- Top state winners compete in regional showcases
3. National Finals -- Regional champions present at the White House before a panel of national judges

Resources

• Official Challenge Website
• Registration and Submission Portal
• Challenge Rules and Guidelines

How much does Presidential AI Challenge cost?

Presidential AI Challenge is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

Who is eligible for Presidential AI Challenge?

Presidential AI Challenge is open to students in grades 1–12 (middle and high school). Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

Is Presidential AI Challenge online or in person?

Presidential AI Challenge is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

How do I apply to Presidential AI Challenge?

Apply directly through White House Office of Science and Technology Policy's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.