Nine DoWEA schools named state champions in 2026 Presidential AI Challenge

Nine DoWEA Schools Named State Champions in 2026 Presidential AI Challenge

Student and educator teams at nine Department of War Education Activity schools have advanced to regional competitions after winning state-level recognition in the 2026 Presidential AI Challenge. The competition, established by executive order in April 2025, aims to expand artificial intelligence education among American youth.

The state champions span military installations across seven countries and multiple U.S. states. Their projects address practical classroom problems: math instruction, conflict resolution, focus management, and language learning.

What the Winning Projects Do

At Stowers Elementary School in Fort Benning, Georgia, fourth graders developed CareBot with teacher guidance. The tool helps children distinguish between tattling and responsible reporting, allowing them to resolve minor peer conflicts independently while flagging serious concerns to adults.

Senior Grady Guth at Sigonella Middle High School in Italy built Smart Math AI for his engineering course. The system provides step-by-step math guidance using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript with Google Gemini integration, offering real-time support when teachers aren't available.

Fourth graders at Zukeran Elementary School in Okinawa created Zoe Zones, a browser-based tool that helps students maintain focus through personalized learning strategies.

The Competition and Next Steps

DoWEA submitted dozens of projects across multiple categories. Judges evaluated entries on problem definition, relevance to community needs, alignment with administration priorities, and originality.

State champions presented their work to regional panels in April. Regional winners will compete in the national finals in Washington, D.C., in June.

About DoWEA

The Department of War Education Activity operates 161 accredited schools across nine districts in 11 foreign countries, seven states, Guam, and Puerto Rico. The organization serves more than 67,000 military-connected students.

Educators interested in integrating AI into classroom instruction can explore resources on AI for Education and AI for Teachers.

2026 DoWEA State Champions

• Bob Hope Elementary School, Kadena Air Base, Japan
• Brussels Unit School, Brussels, Belgium
• Daegu Elementary School, USAG Daegu Camp George, South Korea
• Sevilla Elementary Middle School, Morón Air Base, Spain
• Sigonella Middle High School, Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy
• Spangdahlem Middle School, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany
• Stowers Elementary School, Fort Benning, Georgia
• Stuttgart High School, Stuttgart Military Community, Germany
• Zukeran Elementary School, Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan