Competition Launched By The White House Goes From Kindergarten To High School, Awarding Students With Certificates, Cloud Credits, And Up To US$ 10,000.
First Lady Melania Trump announced on Tuesday the AI Presidential Challenge, a competition inviting students from kindergarten to 12th grade to use artificial intelligence to solve community problems. The announcement was made in a video message direct from the White House. The initiative aims to prepare young Americans for a future shaped by technology.
Melania highlighted her own experience. “As someone who created an audiobook using AI technology and advocated for online safety through the Take It Down Act, I have seen firsthand the promise of this powerful technology,” she said. She then reinforced the invitation to students: “Now, I pass the torch of innovation to you.”
The competition arises from an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, which aims to expand education in artificial intelligence in the United States.
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Challenge Structure
The project asks students to organize themselves into teams, with the support of an adult mentor, to develop practical solutions. Apps, websites, and other projects focused on real community problems are among the possibilities. Registrations opened on Tuesday and will continue until December.
Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, explained the main goal. “We want young Americans to be connected, engaged, and using AI tools,” he stated in an interview with Fox News. For him, the possibilities are “endless.”
Melania also provided historical context for the challenge. “Just as the United States has already led the world into the skies, we are ready to lead again. This time, in the era of AI,” she declared.
The official guide recommends that younger students use only age-appropriate programs and always under adult supervision.
Awards And Recognition
Each participating team will receive a Presidential Participation Certificate. In addition, extra awards will be given based on performance throughout the stages.
State champions will receive a certificate, cloud credits, and access to online resources. Regional winners, in addition, will be entitled to participate in a three-day event in Washington, where selected projects will be presented at the White House.
At the national stage, the awards expand. Champions receive a Presidential Award Certificate, cloud credits, and US$ 10,000. For elementary school winners, the amount goes to the school or community group. Meanwhile, middle and high school teams receive US$ 10,000 for each member.
Educators and interested students can already register on the official challenge website.
Broader Government Strategy
The program is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to advance artificial intelligence. Earlier this year, the president presented the “Winning the Race: U.S. AI Action Plan”, which aims to reduce bureaucracies and encourage innovation. At a summit held in July, Trump promised that the country would do “whatever it takes” to lead globally.
Melania has shown herself to be an active figure in this process. She supported the creation of the Take It Down Act, passed in May, which combats sexual exploitation generated by AI and deepfakes. In October, she released her memoir, “Melania”, in audiobook format entirely produced by artificial intelligence, using her own voice.
In an interview with the New York Post, she emphasized the long-term impact. “In a few years, AI will be the driving force behind all business sectors of our economy,” she said. “It is ready to add great value to our careers, families, and communities.”

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