First lady Melania Trump helped launch the presidential artificial intelligence challenge, encouraging communities and schools to try solving real-world problems with AI.
“Take part in this nationwide initiative to discover, develop, and expand AI’s potential,” she said Tuesday in a video posted on social media.
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In the video, the first lady underscored her work advocating the Take It Down Act, legislation her husband, President Donald Trump, signed into law in May to address the trend of revenge porn.
“I’ve seen firsthand the promise of this powerful technology,” she said. “Now I pass the torch of innovation to you. Just as America once led the world into the skies, we are poised to lead again, this time in the age of AI.”
The challenge for kindergarten to 12th-grade students was created in April through the president’s “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth” executive order. Participants will compete for the opportunity to present their solutions next June at the White House.
“The president’s national artificial intelligence challenge invites every student in America, from kindergarten to 12th grade, to unleash their motivation and showcase the spirit of American innovation,” the first lady concluded. “Our educators will guide and empower you through this process to build a brighter, stronger future for us all.”
White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios also promoted the challenge on Tuesday, emphasizing its importance as AI upends the employment market, particularly for those seeking entry-level jobs.
“The policy behind all this is that no matter what age you are, wherever you go in your professional career, whether you want to be a doctor, whether you want to be a lawyer, whether you want to work in law enforcement, you will be leveraging these tools in the future,” Kratsios told Fox News. “So this presidential AI challenge affords you the opportunity to work with these tools and develop great projects and have hands-off experience so you can go off into the workforce with the tools that you need to succeed in the new economy.”
A White House official told the Washington Examiner the “challenge will foster interest and expertise in AI technology in America’s youth.”
“Early training in the responsible use of AI tools will demystify this technology and prepare America’s students to be confident participants in the AI-assisted workforce, propelling our Nation to new heights of scientific innovation and economic achievement,” the official said.
The official continued, “Specifically, the presidential AI challenge will equip youth with foundational knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital society; empower educators to confidently guide students through this complex and evolving field; and connect students and educators with AI experts from industry and government for guidance, coaching, inspiration, and collaboration; and provide widespread access to resources, training, and support.”
During her husband’s first administration, the first lady advocated more online protections for children and young people through her anti-cyberbullying Be Best program. She also used AI technology for the audiobook recording of her memoir, which was released last year.
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“It’s heartbreaking to witness young teens, especially girls, grappling with the overwhelming challenges posed by malicious online content, like deepfakes,” the president told lawmakers on Capitol Hill in March during a roundtable concerning the Take It Down Act. “We must prioritize their well-being by equipping them with the support and tools necessary to navigate this hostile digital landscape.”
Registration for the challenge closes on Dec. 15, and projects are due in January.