First lady Melania Trump is urging students across the country to “unleash their imagination and showcase the spirit of American innovation” by participating in a first-of-its-kind artificial intelligence (AI) competition.
“Are you ready for an AI challenge? Take part in this nationwide initiative to discover, develop and expand AI’s potential,” she said in a video released Tuesday.
The nationwide competition — open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade — is aimed at bringing young people and educators together “to solve real-world problems in their communities using AI-powered solutions with an opportunity to showcase their solutions at a national level.”
Students, led by educators and supervisors, work in teams to tackle how AI technologies can be utilized to help address challenges in their schools or communities.
All participants will receive a certificate, and national champions will be recognized with cash prizes, cloud credits and “eligibility to be considered for an invitation” to showcase their work at the White House.
“Just as America once led the world into the skies, we are poised to lead again, this time in the age of AI,” Melania Trump said.
In May, Trump announced the release of an audiobook version of her memoir, “Melania,” created “entirely with artificial intelligence audio technology.” The book was created using an “AI-generated replica” of her voice.
The challenge comes after President Trump signed an executive order in April aimed at incorporating AI into classrooms around the U.S. and prioritizing federal funds to help incorporate it into all subjects.
“AI is where it seems to be at,” the president said during the signing.
