Deadline: November 19, 2025
The Your AI Horizons Challenge 2025 is now open for applications. Organised by the U.S. Department of Education, this exciting opportunity invites U.S. high schools to reimagine how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can transform industries and careers. With a total prize pool of $50,000, the challenge is designed to build students’ foundational AI knowledge while encouraging them to explore its real-world impact.
About the Your AI Horizons Challenge 2025
The Your AI Horizons Challenge 2025 seeks to empower students by helping them understand how AI works and how it can be applied responsibly across various industries. The competition also aims to ensure students engage meaningfully in AI-driven projects while collaborating with employers, postsecondary institutions, and community organisations.
Up to 10 winning teams will share the $50,000 prize fund equally, with each winning school receiving financial support to advance their ideas.
Prize Information
- Total Prize Pool: $50,000
- Number of Winners: Up to 10 schools
- Prize Distribution: Equal share among all winning teams
Eligibility Criteria
The challenge is open to high schools in the United States, specifically those eligible under the Perkins Act. Applicants can apply through one of the following entities:
- Public charter schools that operate as local educational agencies
- Career and technical education schools
- Indian Tribes or Tribal educational agencies
- Other eligible entities as defined in relevant U.S. education legislation
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: November 19, 2025
- Closing Time: 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Applicants are encouraged to submit their entries well before the deadline to avoid last-minute challenges.
Selection Criteria
Entries will be evaluated on a 25-point scale, based on five critical criteria:
- AI Understanding (5 points): Demonstrating how and why the AI solution works, including considerations for safety and ethics.
- Impact (5 points): Highlighting the positive impact the solution can have on a specific industry, employer, or career path.
- Feasibility (5 points): Using AI technology that is already available or accessible.
- Collaboration (5 points): Building strong partnerships with employers, colleges, and community organisations.
- Student Engagement (5 points): Ensuring meaningful involvement of students in the planning, development, and execution process.
Tips for a Strong Application
To increase your chances of success, applicants should:
- Be industry-specific: Choose a sector like healthcare, education, agriculture, or finance and show how AI can address a pressing issue.
- Address ethics and safety: Demonstrate awareness of challenges such as bias, fairness, privacy, and data security.
- Leverage partnerships: Collaborate with businesses, higher education institutions, or local organisations to strengthen feasibility and impact.
- Ensure student leadership: Highlight how students drive the design, planning, and execution of the project.
- Focus on feasibility: Use AI tools and technologies that are realistic and currently available rather than speculative or futuristic.
How to Apply
Applications for the Your AI Horizons Challenge 2025 must be submitted online.
👉 Click here to apply
👉 Read more about the programme
For schools and organisations seeking assistance with proposal drafting, refining, and review, feel free to contact us for professional support.