# Presidential AI Challenge

## How Companies and Nonprofits Can Get Involved

**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](https://www.ai.gov/initiatives/presidential-challenge) website or email [AI.Challenge@science.doe.gov](mailto: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.

[Download Company Toolkit](/content/wp-content/uploads/softwareorgpresaichallengecompanytoolkit.pdf "Company Toolkit"/index.html)

### 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.**

[Download Nonprofit Toolkit](/content/wp-content/uploads/softwareorgpresaichallengenonprofitstoolkit.pdf "Company Toolkit"/index.html)

### 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**<br>**Workshops**<br>**or “Challenge**<br>**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**<br>**Software.org**<br>**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](https://www.ai.gov/initiatives/presidential-challenge) website or email [AI.Challenge@science.doe.gov](mailto:AI.Challenge@science.doe.gov).