To participate, teachers do not need AI expertise or experience — their professional knowledge and commitment to student collaboration are all that’s required. By participating, teachers and students will develop a deeper understanding of AI, discover insights about emerging workplace technologies, and explore how AI could be integrated into daily workplace activities in the future.
AI in the future workplace
Nearly every sector of the economy has rapidly integrated AI, and AI technologies are evolving at an accelerated pace. While AI itself is a growing industry, its greatest impact may lie in enhancing existing fields. For example, people using AI tools have already optimized healthcare diagnostics, transportation systems, retail operations, and agricultural practices.
Ensuring ethical and effective use of AI across all industries will require a workforce that understands how and when to implement AI to enhance capabilities and expedite tasks. This understanding must be built on a foundation of durable skills, such as adaptability, critical thinking, and creativity. By ensuring students graduate high school with this multifaceted skill set, teachers can help students compete in an AI-ready environment.
Bringing AI to every CTE pathway
CTE programs already prepare students for the workforce by developing the technical and durable skills necessary to compete — from machining and cosmetology to collaboration and problem solving. These foundational skills translate directly to AI-enhanced careers, where students will need to critically analyze data, troubleshoot complex systems, and work alongside innovative technologies. This hands-on problem-solving mindset and technical adaptability that CTE cultivates will position students to thrive in an AI-ready workforce.
How the challenge will unfold
The submission period opened on August 5, 2025. Teachers and students have access to challenge resources and can enter information through the submission form.
Submissions will close on November 19, 2025. The judging panel will recommend up to 10 winning teams. The U.S. Department of Education will announce winning teams in February 2026.
Eligibility
An eligible entrant to the Your AI Horizons Challenge must either be:
- An Eligible Recipient under the Perkins Act.
- The term Eligible Recipient means: a local educational agency (including a public charter school that operates as a local educational agency); an area career and technical education school; an educational service agency; an Indian Tribe, Tribal organization, or Tribal educational agency; or a consortium, eligible to receive assistance under section 131;
- An institution or consortium of institutions eligible to receive assistance under section 132.
The Department will make eligibility determinations after submissions close. For more information, please refer to the rules, terms, and conditions, or check with your school’s administration or your state or local CTE coordinator.
About CTE Momentum
CTE Momentum is a U.S. Department of Education annual challenge series to prepare high school students for rewarding careers and increase access to career and technical education.
Each school year, the U.S. Department of Education invites educators and high school students to participate in a new challenge focused on a topic of national importance. This annual series empowers educators with resources and ideas to help American schools become centers of innovation and possibility.
Bring the challenge to your classroom
Learn more about AI and how your class can participate in the challenge.