Published Date : 27/08/2025
First Lady Melania Trump has announced a new government-sponsored nationwide contest aimed at encouraging students in grades K-12 to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to address community challenges. The contest, known as the Presidential AI Challenge, is designed to foster collaboration and innovation among young minds.
As someone who has championed the use of AI through her AI-powered audio book and the Take It Down Act, Melania Trump has firsthand experience with the potential of this technology. In a video announcing the challenge, she said, “Just as America once led the world into the skies, we are poised to lead again. This time, in the age of AI.”
Every student from kindergarten through 12th grade is invited to participate and “unleash their imagination and showcase the spirit of American innovation.” The projects can range from developing AI-powered solutions to environmental issues to enhancing community safety and more. Michael Kratsios, the director of the White House science and technology office, emphasized that the possibilities for the projects are “endless” and the aim is to get students to work together, as they will use AI in their adult lives.
Registration for the contest opens on the official website, and an adult mentor or teacher must sponsor each team. Submissions are due by the end of December, and regional competitions will be held in the spring. The national winners will be invited to a White House event to showcase their projects.
The contest is part of an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, which aims to advance artificial intelligence education for American youth. The order highlights the importance of preparing the next generation to harness the power of AI for the betterment of society.
Melania Trump’s involvement in AI initiatives is not new. In May, she announced that the audio version of her 2024 memoir,
Q: What is the Presidential AI Challenge?
A: The Presidential AI Challenge is a nationwide contest for K-12 students to use artificial intelligence tools to solve community issues. It is sponsored by the U.S. government and aims to foster collaboration and innovation among young students.
Q: Who can participate in the contest?
A: All students from kindergarten through 12th grade can participate. An adult mentor or teacher must sponsor each team.
Q: When is the registration open?
A: Registration for the contest opens on the official website, and the deadline for submissions is the end of December.
Q: What is the Take It Down Act?
A: The Take It Down Act is a legislation signed into law by President Trump, which imposes penalties for online sexual exploitation using real or AI-generated deepfake imagery. It was championed by First Lady Melania Trump.
Q: What is the goal of the contest?
A: The goal of the contest is to get students to work together and use AI tools to address community challenges, preparing them for the technological advancements of the future.