WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 26, 2025 – President Donald Trump has launched the Presidential AI Challenge, a nationwide competition aimed at empowering K-12 students and educators to harness artificial intelligence for solving real-world community problems. The initiative stems from Executive Order 14277, signed by the president in April 2025, which seeks to enhance AI education across American schools and prepare the next generation for technological leadership. The challenge invites participants to develop AI-driven solutions addressing local issues such as infrastructure improvements, educational enhancements, or other community needs. It aligns closely with Trump’s comprehensive three-pillar AI Action Plan, emphasizing innovation, robust infrastructure, and asserting global leadership in AI technologies.
Participation Guidelines Tailored by Age Group
To ensure accessibility and safety, the competition features age-specific rules:
- Elementary students must submit group projects under the guidance of an adult supervisor.
- Middle and high school students can form teams of up to four members, with one designated supervisor.
Educators have their own dedicated category, where they can showcase innovative methods for teaching AI concepts or integrating the technology into classroom management. Winning educator entries could be scaled for broader implementation in schools nationwide.Submissions must include a project summary of at least 500 words in PDF format, accompanied by supporting visuals such as posters or short videos. All entries are due by January 20, 2026, coinciding with Inauguration Day.
Judging Criteria Focus on Impact and Alignment
A panel of experts will evaluate projects based on key factors, including relevance to community challenges, technical accuracy, and alignment with presidential AI priorities. In the event of ties, the strength and creativity of the AI application will serve as the deciding factor.
This program builds upon Trump’s earlier efforts in AI advancement, notably the 2019 American AI Initiative. That executive action doubled federal funding for AI research and led to the creation of national AI research institutes, fostering a foundation for ongoing innovation.
Broader Context: Competing in the Global AI Race
The launch comes amid intensifying U.S.-China rivalry in artificial intelligence. As China ramps up investments in AI talent development through initiatives like its New Generation AI Development Plan, the Presidential AI Challenge aims to cultivate expertise from an early age, ensuring America’s competitive edge.In addition to the competition, the White House is encouraging public-private partnerships to support AI education. Interested organizations can explore collaboration opportunities via the Executive Office’s EDAI (Education in Digital AI) website.
White House officials describe the challenge as a pivotal step in democratizing AI access, inspiring young minds to contribute to national progress. Further details and entry forms are available on the official White House website.