Overview

• Registration is live on AI.gov for the national competition, which requires K–12 teams to work with an adult mentor or teacher.
• Students are tasked with using AI tools to address community problems by building apps, websites, or other solutions, and educators can submit teaching-focused projects.
• The contest advances through state and regional rounds, with state champions expected in March and a national championship and Washington, D.C. showcase planned for June 2026.
• All compliant submissions earn certificates, with cloud credits for higher rounds and $10,000 awards for national champions—paid to the school or group in the elementary category and per team member in middle school, high school, and educator categories.
• Coverage lists differing deadlines—reports cite the end of December, Jan. 20, 2026, and a Dec. 15 registration cutoff—while AI.gov hosts the official rules and dates; the initiative stems from an April executive order and highlights both AI’s promise and risks, referencing the first lady’s AI audiobook and support for the Take It Down Act.