U.S. High Schools Compete in AI Horizons Challenge for $50,000 Prize

The U.S. Department of Education has launched a new nationwide competition. It is called the Your AI Horizons Challenge. The initiative aims to prepare students for an AI-driven future workforce.

Applications for the challenge are now officially open. The deadline for submissions is November 19, 2025. This program targets high school students across the country.

Empowering Students with AI Career Skills

The challenge’s core purpose is to create engaging learning opportunities. It will equip students with foundational AI knowledge and skills. Participants are tasked with proposing innovative AI solutions.

These solutions should reimagine traditional ways of working. Students will explore AI’s significant impact on various industries. The goal is to help them envision their own future careers.

According to the Department of Education, the challenge encourages direct industry exploration. It focuses on thriving in an AI-ready workforce. This is a key step in modernizing career and technical education.

Substantial Prizes and Eligibility Criteria

A significant prize pool is available for winning teams. Up to ten winning teams will receive an equal share of $50,000. This provides major incentive for schools and students to participate.

Eligibility for the challenge is clearly defined. Eligible entrants include local educational agencies and public charter schools. Area career schools and Indian Tribes are also eligible to apply.

Institutions eligible for Perkins Act assistance can also submit proposals. This ensures a wide range of educational bodies can take part. The challenge aims for broad national participation.

Info at your fingertips

Who can apply for the Your AI Horizons Challenge?

Eligible applicants include local school districts, charter schools, area career schools, and Tribal educational agencies. Institutions eligible for federal Perkins Act funding are also qualified to participate.

What is the total prize money available?

The total prize pool for the challenge is $50,000. This sum will be divided equally among up to ten selected winning teams.

What is the submission deadline?

All entries must be submitted by 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time on November 19, 2025. Officials recommend submitting at least one hour before the deadline to avoid issues.

How are submissions judged?

An independent panel judges entries on five criteria. These include AI understanding, impact, feasibility, collaboration, and student engagement. Each criterion is worth up to five points.

What is the main goal of this challenge?

The primary goal is to equip students with essential AI knowledge for the future workforce. It encourages them to explore how AI transforms industries and their potential career paths.

Trusted Sources: U.S. Department of Education