Software.org and the Presidential AI Challenge share the goal of expanding youth access to AI education. Together, we can empower students to imagine, design, and share responsible AI solutions for their communities.
Why This Matters
Software.org encourages youth-focused nonprofits to play a vital role: connecting students to opportunity.
Your programs already reach young creators, makers, and learners—this toolkit shows how to plug them in.
Who Can Participate
K-12 students and teachers may participate in a variety of categories designed for those with and without technical skills.
Project Requirements
Student projects will involve the study, development, or use of an AI method to address community challenges. Projects may consist of either a conceptual proposal of how AI technologies might be used or the technical building of a functional AI-based solution.
Deadline
Project submissions are due by January 20, 2026. Visit the Presidential AI Challenge website or email AI.Challenge@science.doe.gov.
For Companies
Software.org is calling on companies to join in promoting broad participation in the Presidential AI Challenge by leveraging youth-based nonprofit and community partners.
Volunteer, in-kind, and financial support can also help teams succeed and ensure all youth have access and opportunities to participate.
Four Simple Ways for Companies to Engage
| Role | What You Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Spread the Word | Promote participation among nonprofit and community partners by sharing the Software.org toolkit for nonprofits. | Youth in every part of the country should be made aware of the program and opportunities to participate. |
| 2 Mentor Student Teams | Encourage employees to volunteer a few hours to guide youth teams on design, ethics, or AI fundamentals. | Brings real-world experience to the classroom—and inspires the next generation of talent. |
| 3 Serve as Judges or Reviewers | Nominate technical experts or leaders to review or judge projects at local or national levels. | Helps evaluate projects fairly while reinforcing industry’s connection to civic innovation. |
| 4 Sponsor Youth Participation | Provide small grants ($250–$1,000), refreshments, or in-kind resources like cloud credits or data access. | Reduces cost barriers so every interested student can participate— regardless of background. |
Quick Tips
Recognize mentor and judge volunteers internally—it reinforces your company’s social impact culture.
Co-promote your participation with Software.org and the Administration for visibility and community pride.
Partner with nonprofits aligned with your facility footprint to localize your impact.
For Nonprofits
The Presidential AI Challenge calls on youth nationwide to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can help solve real-world problems.
Software.org encourages youth-focused nonprofits to play a vital role: connecting students to opportunity.
Three Simple Ways for Nonprofits to Engage
| Role | What You Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Recruit & Organize Student Teams | Encourage participants in your programs to form AI Challenge teams. Use club meetings, camps, or after-school time to guide brainstorming and registration. | You provide the entry point—helping young people who might not otherwise have access to participate. |
| 2 Host Local Workshops or “Challenge Days” | Hold small gatherings where students can learn the basics of AI and start building project ideas. | Builds excitement and inclusion—especially for first-time participants. |
| 3 Connect With Software.org for Support | Software.org can help match your teams with volunteer mentors its member companies. | Keeps things accessible and affordable for your organization and students. |
Quick Tips
Use your existing STEM, maker, or after-school program infrastructure—no special equipment required.
Share challenge updates through your newsletters and social media to reach more youth.
Gather a few staff or volunteers to act as team advisors to keep projects moving.
Resources
Visit the Presidential AI Challenge website or email AI.Challenge@science.doe.gov.
Contact Us
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