NSF-supported teams advanced through the Presidential AI Challenge, with North Carolina teacher named national champion | NSF

NSF-supported teams advanced through the Presidential AI Challenge, with North Carolina teacher named national champion | NSF

NSF-supported teams advanced through the Presidential AI Challenge, with North Carolina teacher named national champion | NSF

https://www.nsf.gov/news/nsf-supported-teams-advanced-through-presidential-ai

Publish Date: 2026-06-09 13:00:00

Source Domain: www.nsf.gov

  • National Champion: A team led by second-grade educator Carrie Robledo from North Carolina State University won the inaugural Presidential AI Challenge, showcasing how hands-on AI learning can drive classroom innovation.
  • Objectives: The Presidential AI Challenge aims to ignite interest and develop foundational AI expertise among American youth as part of a national initiative to ensure future educators and students are equipped for the technological era.
  • Funding & Mentorship: The competition, supported by nearly $1 million in NSF funding and active NS-funded project principal investigators, provided mentors and resources for projects addressing real-world challenges.
  • Competitive Projects: Teams across the U.S. developed AI solutions for community needs, from teaching machine learning to insect identification to creating ethical AI practices and enhancing senior care workflows.
  • Impact & Recognition: NSF, along with U.S. leadership, congratulated all participants for their creativity and innovation, emphasizing the crucial role of AI education in preparing the next generation of AI leaders.