Melania Trump calls students to action in national AI challenge

In the United States, First Lady Melania Trump announced the launch of the Presidential AI Challenge on Tuesday. This national initiative invites kindergarten through 12th grade students to develop projects that utilize artificial intelligence in addressing community challenges. The goal of the challenge is to foster innovation among America's youth while enhancing their understanding of AI technologies. Students are required to identify a local issue and propose AI-driven solutions, which could range from improving school resources to tackling environmental concerns. Entries are due by January 20, 2026, and each project must have an adult mentor or teacher involved. Melania Trump highlighted her own experience with AI through the creation of an AI-narrated audiobook of her memoir, expressing her belief in the technology's potential. This competition is a response to President Donald Trump's April executive order, which emphasized the importance of advancing AI education for young people. During a Cabinet meeting, the president praised his wife’s efforts, indicating that her initiative would inspire the upcoming generation. The competition aims to get students actively engaged with AI tools and collaborate on practical solutions. State champions will be announced in early 2026 and will proceed to five regional competitions, with the ultimate finalists showcasing their work at the White House in June 2026. Winners of the challenge will receive monetary awards, either for their school or for each team member, with a total prize of $10,000 available for national champions, alongside other incentives. This competition not only aims to educate but also emphasizes the critical role of innovation in shaping a technologically advanced society. Overall, the Presidential AI Challenge reflects a larger national effort to integrate artificial intelligence into education, hoping to equip students with essential skills for the future. By engaging young learners in AI-focused initiatives, the Trump administration seeks to maintain American leadership in technology and innovation, preparing students for the demands of an evolving job market.