Melania Trump Launches National K-12 ‘Presidential AI Challenge’

First Lady Melania Trump on Tuesday unveiled the Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge, a nationwide contest that invites every U.S. student from kindergarten through 12th grade to devise AI-powered solutions to community problems. In a White House video, Trump said the initiative “passes the torch of innovation” to young Americans so the country can “lead again in the age of AI.” Teams must register at AI.gov, work with an adult mentor and submit projects by 20 January 2026. Regional rounds will be held in the spring, and finalists will present their work at a three-day showcase in Washington next June. National Champion teams and an educator category winner will each receive $10,000 and Presidential Certificates of Achievement, along with cloud credits and other support. The contest fulfils Executive Order 14277, signed by President Donald Trump in April, which directs the Administration to boost AI education and preserve U.S. technological leadership. The program expands on the First Lady’s previous technology-focused efforts, including her advocacy for the Take It Down Act targeting deepfakes and the release of an AI-narrated edition of her memoir.