7:19In this May 8, 2025, file photo, First lady Melania Trump speaks during an event in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C.Jacquelyn Martin/AP, FILE
First lady Melania Trump on Tuesday unveiled the Presidential AI Challenge, a national competition encouraging K–12 pupils to craft initiatives that harness artificial intelligence to solve neighborhood issues.
The first lady described the initiative as an appeal to American students to invent the future. Participants are asked to design solutions demonstrating how AI can meet a local need—whether upgrading classroom assets or tackling ecological problems.
"As America once pioneered flight, so too will we pioneer this new era of AI," she said in a video message posted on X.
Referencing her personal experience creating an AI-narrated audiobook of her 2024 memoir, "Melania," the first lady remarked she had "witnessed the potential of this transformative technology firsthand."
"Through the Presidential AI Challenge, our youth will begin acquiring foundational knowledge for tomorrow’s world," she noted in a statement.
In this May 8, 2025, file photo, First lady Melania Trump speaks during an event in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C.Jacquelyn Martin/AP, FILE
The contest follows President Donald Trump’s April directive compelling federal agencies to bolster AI education among America’s young people.
During Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, the president celebrated the new initiative, lauding the first lady’s involvement.
"It will be a fantastic challenge. She’s poured her passion into it, and it will motivate the coming generation to remain on the leading edge of this essential technology," President Trump noted.
Registration began Tuesday on the program’s website. Each group must secure an adult coach or instructor, with submissions accepted until Jan. 20, 2026.
Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology, emphasized the goal of engaging students in practical problem-solving.
"We want America’s kids engaged, empowered, and actively building solutions with AI tools," he said on Fox News Channel’s Fox and Friends Tuesday.
Early 2026 will bring the naming of state champions, who will then move on to five regional contests. Finalists will be flown to Washington for a three-day display at the White House in June 2026, per the administration.
Victors at the national level will collect $10,000 for their school or per group member, along with additional accolades.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
